On March 22, 1921, a premature baby girl was born to Doxie Debro and Melvia Taylor Marable at their home in Johnson City, TN. Thinking the baby had no chance for survival, the doctor placed her near the stove and turned his attentions to the mother. But God had plans for this tiny baby, and warmed by the stove, she survived. Her proud parents named her Nelle Elizabeth.

Nelle spent her formative years in Johnson City, graduating from Science Hill High School, and East Tennessee State College. She was a member of Munsey Memorial UMC, where her sister, Alice Marable McDavid, is still an active member. After graduation, Nelle moved to Alcoa, Tennessee, and began teaching at Alcoa High School, and later at Maryville High School. While attending Christian Service Training School there, she met Edith Fonde Barton, who brought her home to meet her son, Walter Rowland Barton, Jr. After two visits, Edith told Walter, "Son, I've brought her home twice. Now it's up to you."

Walter and Nelle were married on June 4, 1946, at her family's home in Johnson City, with Dr. E.E. (Ned) Wiley officiating. Together they raised five children: Alice Petty, Wilbur Barton, Charles Barton, Mary Lou Johnstone, and Betty Nelle Barton. When Walter went into the ministry in 1959, it was with Nelle's full support and encouragement. During the next 27 years, they served churches in the Maryville District. Nelle was active m United Methodist Women, Church Women United and Girl Scouting, as well as serving unofficially as a counselor for many church members, and a powerful prayer warrior. Upon his retirement in 1986, Walter and Nelle moved to Sun City Center, FL, where he served as associate at Sun City Center UMC for three years. They then returned to Maryville to be closer to their children and eleven grandchildren and became active at Maryville First UMC.

After falling ill in early 1998, Nelle resided at the Asbury Acres Health Center, where she continued to minister to those around her as long as she was able. She peacefully slipped away in her sleep on October 19, 1998. The Rev. James Green and the Rev. Bob Hayes conducted her funeral at Maryville First UMC on October 21, with interment at Grandview Cemetery in Maryville later that day.

Despite many hardships during her last year, Nelle's faith remained strong as was evidenced by excerpts from her journal that were read at the funeral. During her time at Asbury Acres this remarkable woman filled her journal with praise and thanksgiving for everything around her. Perhaps the most inspiring line that Nelle wrote was, "'The greater the load, the better the traction."

Submitted By: Betty N. Barton – Holston Conference Journal – 1999 – Pages: 351 - 352