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Obituary For Elmore Nickleberry
A Time to be Born
On December 15, 1931, Elmore Egion Nickelberry was the sixteenth of eighteen children born to proud parents, the late Earl and Emma Jean Hall Nickelberry. He was born at the “home house” at 1460 Ash Street in the Douglass Community. He was the grandson of Nathan and Maggie Anderson Nickelberry. His spiritual life began at an early age at Peace Baptist Church in Douglass. His current affiliation remains with Vollintine Baptist Church where he was a member of the male chorus. Mr. Nickelberry, who was affectionately known as “Hoggie,” served as the patriarch of the Nickelberry family for many years. His name continues to ring throughout the Douglass Community and Memphis at large.
A Time to Plant
At an early age, he enlisted in The United States Army where he was honorably discharged. At the tender age of 21 years old he began his career with the City of Memphis. He was one of the longest- working sanitation workers who served 65 years. His dedication to his job gained him notoriety with the local and national NAACP, AFSCME Local 1733, City of Memphis (for decades of service), and the National Civil Rights Museum. He was awarded The King Mandela Freedom Fighting Award, The 24th Annual Midsouth Regional Emmy Award, and a plethora of other awards and recognitions.
A Time to Love
Elmore met the love of his life, Mary “Peggy” Ray, and they were united in holy matrimony. They shared sixty-one blissful years together in friendship, love, and marriage.
A Time to Die
Having his affairs set in order, Elmore closed his eyes as he welcomed the exchange of mortality for immortality on Saturday, December 30, 2023. Though he is absent from this body, he shall forever be present with the Lord.
A Time to Weep
To cherish his memory and continue his legacy, Elmore leaves his loving wife, Mary “Peggy” Nickelberry; two sons, Stanley (Diana) Nickleberry and Terence Sr. (Tiajuana) Nickelberry; four daughters, Toyia Polk, Cheryl (Larry Sr.) Carr, Tanya (Donnie Sr.) Mitchell, and Zakeyia (Eddie) Johnson; one sister-in-law, Sheryl (Frankie) Hill; two brothers-in-law, Anderson Madison and Welton Ray; one stepbrother, Clayton McVey; two stepsisters, Pearl McVey and Joyce McVey; two special cousins, Daisy Bolton Harris and Annette Harris Grant; a special friend of 73 years, Joe Isom; and a plethora of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Tondalaya Nickelberry.
The family will receive friends Friday, January 5, 2024 from 4:00pm-6:00pm at RS Lewis & Sons 3651 Austin Peay Hwy, Memphis, TN 38128. Celebration of Life will be Saturday, January 6, 2024 11:00am at Vollintine Baptist Church 4177 New Allen Road, Memphis, TN 38128.
Internment will be Thursday, January 11, 2024 at 10:00am in West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery, 4000 Forest Hill Irene Road, Memphis, TN 38125
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Aubrey Overstreet sent Exquisite Tribute Standing Spray for Elmore Nickleberry - January 02, 2024
Terence, We mourn your loss and pray for you and your extended family. You are in our thoughts and we send you our love. James & Aubrey & all of your friends at Mid-South Hobbies
Still praying for the Nickleberry Family, Terrance use to be a coworker......God does no wrong
I'm so grateful for all the love and support receive for the passing of daddy. I love each and everyone of you far and near!
Toyia/Elnora
My prayers and condolences to the family of Mr. Nickleberry. My grandfather (George Hall) worked for the sanitation department and marched with Mr. Nickleberry.
As a young boy growing up in Arkansas, I always welcomed the visits to stay with Aunt Winnie in Memphis. Cousin Elmo (Hoggie) was usually the one to pick me up at the bus station. On most of my visits, he followed Aunt Winnie's instructions to bring me straight to her house. However, the memory that stands out in my mind was when he (and another cousin) forgot I was in the back seat and were late dropping me off at Aunt Winnie's house. Their conversation was very interesting for a young 10 or 11 year old boy. They were so excited about the plans they had for that coming weekend. Cousin Hoggie was such a jovial and energetic young man. That boundless energy would serve him well in his career working for the Memphis Sanitation Department and in his role as a Civil Rights Activist. His work directly impacted many during his lifetime; and, his legacy will continue to impact us and the entire country in the future. Godspeed Cousin Elmo until we meet again. Rest in Peace! Floyd & Cathy Nickelberry San Antonio, Texas
I am so thankful that I get to meet Mr. and Mrs. Nickleberry some years ago and it was a pleasure each trimester I saw them. Two of the kindest beautiful people I have ever known. My thoughts and prayers are with The Nickleberry Family today and the days ahead. Mr. Nick as I called him is a legend in his time and to have such a precious beautiful wife Mrs. Mary. I will treasure my memory of this couple.
Cousin Elmore was and always will be one of my hero'. He worked at a time when black people, especially black men was considered less than a man. Cousin Elmore made a statement continuing to work under horrendous circumstances long after that great march with Dr. King until a measure of success was finally to be had with benefits, working well into his 80's. Cousin Elmore Nickelberry a true hero and patriot. Rest in Peace cousin Elmore. James & Jeannie Nickelberry
You are in our prayers and thoughts
The students and faculty of the We March for Justice Civil Rights Trip from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN offer our condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Nickleberry. He met with our group every year since 2012. He impacted the lives of all of us who had the privilege to be in his presence. We will always hold his memory in our hearts. Thank you, Mr. Nickleberry, and rest in power.
The Executive Board, Staff and Members of Teamsters Local 667 extend deepest sympathy to Brother Nickleberry's family & friends. He was much loved by all of us who knew him. His stories of the '68 Sanitation Strike inspired us all. Rest in Peace Brother....
Cousin Peggy, we are truly praying for God to comfort you in the loss of Cousin Elmo. I remember my mom and I visiting you both at your home. It was such a great visit we laughed, encouraged each other, took pictures (of you all) and talked about the past/present. Being a fellow Memphian I would always meet people that Elmo had made such a positive impact on. He was a ray of sunshine that will not stop shining here in Memphis and the world. God Bless you, the children, grandchildren and the entire family. Love Sherri Foy and family (as we would always answer at the family reunion) Rosie Nickleberry's (Uncle Albert's Daughter) Daughter ❤💕
Sending my condolences and prayers to the Nickleberry family.
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
