Nelda Adell (Bateman) Jester

Mrs. Nelda Adell Jester, age 87, of Pilot Mountain, passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning, May 6, 2025, at Northern Regional Hospital in Mt. Airy.

Mrs. Jester was born on October 10, 1937, in Patrick County, Virginia, to the late Harvey Robert Bateman and Evelyn Hope Mills Bateman.  

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charlie Frank Jester; brothers, Marvin Dale “Jake” Bateman and Roger Bateman; and her sisters, Helen Nelson and Alene Gordon.

Nelda worked for many years as a seamstress at Spencers in Mt. Airy, where she was known for her skill, dedication, and work ethic. Outside of her career, she found great joy in sewing, baking cakes, and tending to her garden. She also had a deep appreciation for bluegrass music.

Above all, Nelda treasured her family. She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. One of her greatest joys was welcoming her grandbabies into her home, where they were always met with warmth, love, and a sweet treat from her kitchen. Nelda also enjoyed visiting with her neighbors and being part of her community.

Those left to cherish her memory include her children, Glenda Shelton, Robert (Lisa) Jester, and Mary (James) Brown; grandchildren, Kenneth (Jamie) Simmons, Megan Jester, Sara (Tim) McNew, and Kristi (Adam) Bryant; six great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.  She also leaves behind her sister, Mary Alice Bennett and brother, Robert Bateman.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, May 9, 2025, at Cox-Needham Funeral Home, with Brother D.C. Collins officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Skyline Memorial Gardens.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Mills & nurse Amanda Pinnix at Northern Regional Hospital, as well as Mountain Valley Hospice.

Cox-Needham Funeral Home is respectfully serving the Jester family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Nelda Adell (Bateman) Jester, please visit our floral store.