Nellie Jean Brinkley, 78, of Asheville, passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side on Sunday, July 26, 2026. Born on January 9, 1948, she was the beloved daughter of William and Kathleen (Hampton) West.

Nellie grew up in Asheville, where as a teenager she met the love of her life, Larry Brinkley. The two were inseparable, and on September 13, 1968, they decided they couldn't wait and quietly slipped away to wed at a friend’s house. Only problem was Larry didn’t want to tell his mother right away, so after a few days passed, Larry expressed his desire to marry Nellie, and the couple were wed again, this time publicly. This became an endearing story the couple shared over the many years they’d end up spending together. The couple built a beautiful life and were blessed with three children: Larry Jr., Lindy, and Amanda.

Nellie had a gift for making everyone feel loved. She was sweet, caring, compassionate, and had a heart that loved unconditionally—even when you didn't deserve it. To know Nellie was to know great food, she was an incredible cook! She was as good a cook as she was a hairstylist, which she spent many years doing as a profession, after having obtained her cosmetology license. Nellie also cut her family’s hair, taking advantage of every additional moment she got to spend with them in that time. After she retired from cutting hair, Nellie worked as a custodian for a school for a few years.

Nellie had many passions in life, but nothing meant more to her than family. Nellie loved spending time with her children, and truly treasured each moment with her grandchildren, whom she loved dearly. Nellie's greatest source of strength was her faith in Jesus Christ. She lived with unwavering faith and faced the end of her earthly journey without fear, confident in the promise of eternal life and knowing exactly where she was going.

Nellie will be remembered for her loving heart, infectious smile, generous spirit, and the countless lives she touched through her kindness. Though she will be deeply missed, her love, laughter, and unwavering devotion to her family will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Left to mourn Nellie’s passing is her husband of 57 years, Larry Brinkley; a son, Larry Jr.; daughter’s, Lindy (John) Pickard, and Amanda (Robin) Stevens; 6 grandchildren: McKenzie, Madeline, Emery, Aliyah, Insley, and Casey; a sister, Kathy; a brother, Stuart; as well as many other relatives. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Kathleen (Hampton) West; sibling’s: Maurice, MaryAnn, June, David, and Bruce.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at Chapel Hill Baptist Church, 9 Chapel Hill Church Road, Asheville, NC, at 3:00 PM. Visitation with the family will begin at 2:00 PM.

The care of Mrs. Brinkley has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Candler.