Nelda Gaskin Oelkers, 74, of Kure Beach, NC, passed away on Monday, April 30, 2012 at her home. She was born in Tabor City, NC on June 10, 1937, the daughter of the late Etuess and Sarah Lillie Shepherd Gaskins.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Orlin Hein Oelkers and also a brother, Dean Gaskin. She was a school teacher in the Harris Elementary School in Forest City, NC and retired after thirty plus years. She was a member of Floyds Creek Baptist Church in Forest City, NC and after retirement attended Kure Beach Baptist Church. She was devoted wife, mother and grandmother, avid traveler and was also avid gardener.

Surviving are one son, Dale Oelkers and wife, Robin of Cherryville, NC; daughter, Kristal Adams and husband, Mike of Raleigh, NC; two grandchildren, Matthew and Brandon Oelkers; two sisters, Betty White of Kings Mountain, NC and Carol Jean Adams of Wilmington, NC.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 7:15 pm at the Kure Beach First Baptist Church, 208 South 6th Ave., Kure Beach, NC, Thursday, May 3, 2012 with a memorial service following at 7:30 pm by Dr. Lynn Bullock and Dr. Michael K. Moore.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Hospice of Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Height Dr., Shelby, NC 28150 or to the Kure Beach First Baptist Church, 208 South 6th Ave., Kure Beach, NC 28449.

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Wilmington Funeral and Cremation, 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403 910.791.9099