Nellie Bernice Holcombe, born March 2, 1938, sadly passed away peacefully November 9, 2025, surrounded by loving family.

Funeral Services for Nellie will be held on Thursday, November 13, 2025, from the chapel of Dunklin Funeral Home beginning at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Ralph Gunter officiating. Burial will follow at Providence Cemetery with Dunklin Funeral Home directing.

Nellie is preceded in death by her parents, father, Frank Ainsworth; birth mother, Lucille Gardener; her devoted and loving mother, Susie Ainsworth, (that loved and raised her as her own, after losing her mother in early childhood.) Husband & father of her children, Wilbur Junior Blankenship; her loving husband of 35 years, Buster Roy Holcombe; brothers, Willie Frank Ainsworth, Willie Cleve Ainsworth, Thomas Ainsworth; sisters, Francis Cauley Ritter, Elaine Morris, Linda Howell, Barbara Richvalsky; and most recently, her son-in-law Tim Steen.

Left to mourn her loss are her children, Larry (Carol) Blankenship, Cathy Steen, and Steve (Keri) Blankenship; grandchildren, Brandon Blankenship, Josh Blankenship, Leighanna Blankenship, Will Chapman, Stephanie Hines, Olivia Williams, Jeffery Blankenship, Kallen Blankenship; as well as multiple great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews; sisters, Carol Helm and Susan Penn; step-children, Carlton (Ute) Holcombe, Kyle Holcombe; step-grandchildren, Daniel, Wesley, Shawn, Samantha, Jessica, and Alex.

In the early 70's, Nellie was one of very few women that pursued a career in law enforcement. With her unwavering determination, she attended and graduated police academy among the top of her class beating all the odds being the only female.  She quickly joined the St. Petersburg Police Department, where her keen attention to detail landed her promotion, recreating and investigating fatal traffic accidents.  After moving to Greenville, she worked for the Butler County Sheriff's Department under Sheriff Parker Worthington. She also served as a member of the Selective Service Systems for years.

Nellie made a career change when REF manufacturing opened its doors in Greenville, serving as the office manager and accountant for 30 years, until she retired in 2010.

After retirement Nellie enjoyed spending her free time at the Hair Parlor, with her daughter and daughter-in-law, helping with small tasks and interacting with their friendly clientele.

Nellie was a remarkable woman with strong principles. She inspired others with her incredible inner strength and independence, drawing her strength from her deep and abiding faith in God. Her determination, resilience, and zest for life were reflections of that faith. Nellie will be remembered for her unwavering trust in the Lord, her integrity, and her boundless love for her family. She will be dearly missed.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude for the special attention and care she received from Dr. Robert Ingles, Dr. Patel, Southern Care Hospice, Alabama Home Health. They are so thankful for the outpouring of love and prayers they have received from their friends and community. They mean more than words can express.