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