Nellie was born in Caruthersville, Missouri. She was the 7th of 10 children born to Harry M. Cole and "Mattie" Berry. She was about 6 years old when her father died. Her mom later remarried J.D. Jones, an itinerant farmer and preacher, who ultimately moved the family to Mississippi.

While in Mississippi with the family, she went to a country barn dance with her brothers. At the dance her brother Marion introduced her to Clyde Burgess Jeffries. Clyde was a young itinerant farmer and musician who frequently played music at country dances and local events. Clyde and Nellie fell in love and were married on Sept. 29, 1928 in Washeyton County, Mississippi according to the marriage certificate.

In early 1940, Clyde, Nellie and four children were enumerated as living near Bolivar, Mississippi in the 1940 US Census (daughter Lydia Geneva had not been born yet). Later, Oct. 16, 1940, Clyde was required to register for the draft. On the draft registration card he notes his current address was "R.J. D1, Luxora, Mississippi County, Arkansas" and then notes his employer was "R.J. Seagraves & Son" an area farm/plantation. Later in the year Clyde was severely beaten and suffered serious back, chest and internal injuries. The local doctor told them he needed to go to Memphis for specialized medical care, which he and Nellie could not afford. He chose to stay home and try to heal up, but ultimately succumbed to the injuries and died December 29, 1940.

Children with Clyde B. Jeffries:
-Mattie Virginia Jeffries (died in 1943)
-Harold Junior "Buddy" Jeffries (died in 1995)
-Clyde Burgess Jeffries (died in 2000)
-Mary Lou Jeffries Jones (died in 2003)
-Lydia Geneva Jeffries Okamura

Clyde's death was devastating to the family. With the infant-care help of her mother, Nellie was able to find work in Blytheville, Arkansas. There Nellie met and ultimately married local farmer, Oscar Lewis Ingram. Oscar moved her and the children to his farm near Half Moon, Arkansas.

Children with Oscar L. Ingram:
-Bonnie Ingram Batte
-Elizabeth Ingram Jarrett
-Glenn Lewis Ingram
-Helen Marie Ingram Payne
-Joseph Benton (Joe) Ingram
-Loyd Anthony (Anthony) Ingram
-Roy Lee Ingram

Nellie was a hard worker, good homemaker and a great cook. She could turn the humblest of ingredients into a fantastically delicious breakfast, lunch or dinner. Her cobblers and pies were the best (just thinking about them makes my mouth water). Even though the family never had a lot, Nellie was always generous and helpful to any and all friends and farm families in need. Nellie was also a wonderful seamstress and fiber-artist; she really could "make a silk purse out of a sow's ear". Many of us in the family cherish the quilts, afghans and other special gifts she made for us. She loved her family and we all miss her very, very much.

OBITUARY: Mrs. Nellie Ingram 63 of Half Moon widow of Oscar L. Ingram died Friday in Chickasawba Hospital. Born in Missouri, she had lived in Blytheville area for 34 years. She is survived by six sons, Harold Jeffries, Clyde Jeffries, Glen Ingram, all of Chicago; Joe Ingram, Anthony Ingram, Roy Ingram all of Blytheville: Four daughters Mrs. Mary Lou Jones of Chicago, Mrs. [Lydia] Geneva Okamura of Jonesboro, Mrs. Elizabeth Jarret, Helen Watkins both of Gosnell; Three brothers, Harry Cole of Rolling Fork, Mississippi, Marion Cole of Cleveland Mississippi, Woodrow Cole of Columbus Mississippi. One sister Mrs. Lydia Willis of Caruthersville Mississippi[Missouri]. and 15 grandchildren. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday in Cobb Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. Bernard Ford will officiate. Burial will be Elmwood Cemetery.