Nellie Gay King Lockhart, 88, of Gassaway, left this world gently on Saturday, July 26, 2025, and now walks the streets of gold with her loved ones who left before.

She was born on May 9, 1937, in Gassaway to the late John Wesley King and Gladys Ilene Brown King.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved son, Michael Bryan Lockhart, and her siblings: Louise King Climer, Emogene King Ross, Edith King Dobbins, Estel King Hughes, Leonard King, Norma King Hashman, Linda King, Dave King, and Bill King.

Nellie was a lifelong Methodist and attended Engel Chapel Community Church where she remained very active until illness made it too difficult. She loved being in services and singing praises to God and even drove others so they could attend. Nellie was a sweet, kind and hardworking woman who began working as a teenager at the local movie theater before following her heart into healthcare, first working at the hospital and later in several doctors’ offices in Gassaway. She also worked as a dispatcher at the police station helping with emergencies in the area.

For the last 23 years of her career, Nellie worked as a pharmacy technician at Carl Walker Drug Store. She never met a stranger and never forgot a phone number. She loved helping others— often taking her blood pressure cuff around the neighborhood to check on those in need. Her kindness and love were a joy to everyone. She dedicated her life to providing for her two children, whom she treasured above all else.

As a member of a large family, Nellie was a beloved sister and aunt who treasured the time spent with her many nieces and nephews. Known affectionately as “Aunt Nellie,” she was a favorite playmate—baking cookies, playing beauty shop and grocery store, and always ready for fun jokes and TV shows. Nellie adored spending time and traveling with her grandchildren who she would do anything for. She was always up for a sweet treat and a late-night watch party of American Idol or a late movie with her granddaughter Amelia.

Above all, Nellie cherished her four grandchildren and great grandchild.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Pamela Lockhart Shrader (Mark); grandchildren Michael Lockhart Jr. (Danielle), Amelia Shrader, Benjamin Shrader, Cohen Shrader; and one great-grandchild, Elaina Lockhart.

She is also survived by her siblings: Jim King (Loretta), and Phyllis King Jones; and sister-in-law, Janet King. Phyllis lovingly cared for Nellie during her illness for many years.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 29th at 1:00 PM at Roach Funeral Home in Gassaway, with Reverend Mark Shrader and Pastor Brian McCoy officiating.

Burial will follow at Sugar Creek Cemetery, Gassaway.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Words of comfort and fond memories may be extended to the family at www.roachfuneralhome.com.