September 3, 2026, 72, – Edna Geraldine “Jerri” Nelson Mozingo, 72, passed away on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at UNC Health Wayne, surrounded by her loving family. Jerri was born in Spokane, Washington, on January 12, 1954, to the late Polly Kearney and Harold Lloyd Nelson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Sheila Nelson, Frances Parrish, and Shelby Thornton; her brother, Reggie Ethridge; Papa and Grandma, John and Agnes Smith; and Virginia Smith.
Jerri had a kind and gentle spirit and a special love for children. She had a natural way of making children feel loved and welcomed and would seek them out whenever she could. Her love for children led her to earn a degree in early childhood education, and she enjoyed working with children during her time with the Family Y in Goldsboro. She later retired from her service with Walmart in Goldsboro.
Jerri was also known for her love of crocheting. With loving hands and a generous heart, she would often crochet special items to share with new babies and her family. These handmade gifts were a beautiful reflection of the love she carried in her heart for those around her.
Jerri also had a love for cooking and found great joy in preparing food for others. She especially enjoyed cooking and sharing meals with her coworkers. For Jerri, food was more than something to eat—it was a way of showing kindness, bringing people together, and making others feel cared for. Her generosity could often be found around a table, where she was happiest when she had something to share with those around her.
Jerri’s greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her daughter, Jessica Nelson; Macaela Fonseca, whom she raised as her own; and Macaela’s children, Luna, Fallon, and Kylon, whom she especially loved. She is also survived by her sisters, René Savage (Del) , Kay Bailey (Steve), Annette Stevens (Chris), and Brenda Taylor; brothers, Ray Nelson, Ronald Parrish, and Jim Parrish (Sally); brother-in-law, Jamie Bailey (Debbie); and several nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly, including a special nephew, Grayson Brogden.
Jerri will be remembered for her kind heart, her love for children, her crocheted treasures, her gift for cooking and sharing with others, and most of all, the love she freely gave to her family, friends, coworkers, and all those fortunate enough to know her.
A service to celebrate Jerri’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 8, 2026 at Saulston Community Church. The family will greet friends following the service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to assist with funeral expenses or may be sent to Saulston Community Church.
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