Vera Nell Moreland

Vera “Nell” Osborne Moreland climbed that beautiful stairway to Heaven on November 5, 2025 — having wisely avoided the highway to hell by not just holding good intentions, but by faithfully living them out. God’s most ardent and steadfast servant now joins that heavenly chorus, where her beautiful alto voice will once again blend with her beloved husband’s tenor to sing the gospel hymns she carried in her heart throughout her life. Born and raised in Alexander City, Alabama, Nell grew up surrounded by a large and loving family. In 1945, thanks to a wink cast in haste — and a young man who turned his head at just the wrong moment — she met the love of her life, Jimmy Moreland. From that moment on, they were inseparable for nearly 64 years, walking together through every joy and challenge life brought. Nell’s fighting spirit showed itself early. In the 1940s, she battled and overcame tuberculosis more than once, before modern treatments were available — a strength that would carry her through the rest of her days. She went on to raise three daughters, the greatest joys of her life, while devoting herself fully to her family and her faith. While she accomplished many things, Nell’s proudest titles were wife, mother, and servant of the Lord. She built successful ventures as a Tupperware and Avon saleswoman, and her love of history and antiques blossomed into an exciting career as an antiques dealer. Her creativity knew no bounds — she made hundreds of sock monkeys over her lifetime, spreading smiles everywhere and even earning her monkeys a place in The Guinness Book of World Records. Despite her gentle nature, Nell was a fierce competitor when it came to Scrabble. She knew the Scrabble dictionary cover to cover and could spot a triple word score a mile away. Victories were frequent, and challengers were rare! A lifelong lover of words, Nell’s true passion was writing. She often expressed her heart through her poetry, letters, and essays — many of which were published in local newspapers and even a magazine. Her writings reflected her deep love for family and her thoughtful spirit; anyone who received a letter or email from her received a piece of her soul. Her greatest devotion, however, was always to her faith. A longtime member of St. John United Methodist Church, Nell served joyfully wherever she was needed. Her alto voice graced the choir, especially during the Christmas Cantata, and she cherished her fellowship with the United Methodist Women. Her love of harmony extended beyond the church walls — she also sang with The Sweet Adelines under the direction of Bronn Dixon. Nell’s faith was active and compassionate. She lived out Acts 20:35 — “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Through her work with The Dumas Wesley Community Center, she poured out her love for others, serving as Board President from 1974 to 1979. Whether you were family, friend, or stranger, if you were open to her love, she gave it freely — no strings attached. Nell is survived by her three daughters, seven grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and a large extended family that includes many “children from another mother.” Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. John United Methodist Church, 6215 Overlook Road, Mobile, AL 36618, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Burial and a graveside service will take place immediately afterward at Serenity Funeral Home, 8691 Old Pascagoula Road, Theodore, AL 36582. A luncheon will be served in the fellowship hall at St. John’s immediately following the graveside service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Nell’s honor to St. John United Methodist Church or The Dumas Wesley Community Center.

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Vera Nell Moreland

October 11, 1929 - November 5, 2025