Elsie Marie Nelson Lail, age 88 of Topton, passed away Tuesday, February 4, 2014, at UT Medical Center. She obtained her RN at Knox General Hospital and attended NC State University. She also trained for US Cadet Nurse Corps. Elsie retired from the Knox County Health Department as a Registered Nurse and was the owner of Elsie’s Steak and Seafood Restaurant and The Garden Restaurant. She was also the owner and builder of investment properties and manager of Nelson’s Nantahala Campground. She served the community she loved and had an impeccable work ethic her entire life. She participated in the Daughters of the American Revolution, Konaheeta Women’s Club of Andrews, Andrews Chamber of Commerce, Topton Community Club, and as a Board Member of United Community Bank. She was a member of the Red Marble Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by husbands, Jess W. Davis and W. G. Lail; brothers, Elbert and Eugene Nelson; and parents, John and Mary Nelson.

Surviving are two sons, Johnny Jess Davis and wife Linda and Jimmy Kyle Davis and wife Susan; grandchildren, Jason Davis and wife Kaylee, Jessica Mohr and husband Federico, and Judson Davis and wife Nikki; great grandchildren, Skylyn, Jessa and Anna Kate Davis; brother, Earl Nelson and wife Peggy; and sister, Louise Edwards.

A memorial service was held at 2:00 PM Saturday, March 1 in the Andrews First Baptist Church.