Obituary of Kiter W. Nelson

Mrs. Kiter West Nelson, age 101, of Payne Branch Road, Blowing Rock, died Monday morning, November 19, 2007 at her home. Born September 7, 1906 in Wilkes County to Martin Luther and Rowena Alverta Anderson West. Mrs. Nelson was a member of Cool Springs Baptist Church. A basket and a loom weaver, she created her own patterns to make and provide afghans to nursing home patients and others, even after being homebound. Mrs. Nelson continued giving gifts to others until the time of her death. Family was her universe and heaven is her home. She is survived by: two daughters, Thelma Cannon of Boone and Mildred Ragsdale and husband Jack of Lenoir; two grandsons, Steve Cannon of High Point, Barry Ragsdale of Lenoir and one granddaughter, Jackie Sue Stallings of Granite Falls; four great-grandchildren, six great-great grandchildren and one great-great-great grandson; and one sister, Frances Pennell and husband Neil of Lenoir. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lee Grant Nelson, four sisters, Nellie Carlton, Bessie Griffin, Mae Coffey and Annie Simmons and two brothers, Ernest and Luther West. Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday morning at 11 o'clock at Cool Springs Baptist Church, officiated by Rev. Burl Greer and Rev. Max West. The body will lie in state at the church from 10 until 11 o'clock. Burial will follow in the Cool Springs Cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6 until 8 o'clock at Austin & Barnes Funeral Home.