Nelda Britt McDuffie

Nelda Britt McDuffie, 90, of Elizabethtown, passed away peacefully surrounded by family in Orlando, Florida, on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.

Nelda was born on August 27, 1935, in Dublin, North Carolina, to Roger and Eunice Benson Britt. She grew up on a farm as the oldest daughter in a family of nine. She was named after her sister, Mattie Nelda, who passed away as a toddler—a name she carried with pride and gratitude. As the eldest daughter, she learned the value of hard work and the importance of cooking and caring for a large family.

A lifelong Christian, Nelda loved her Lord and her church deeply. She was blessed with a beautiful singing voice. As a teenager, she sang in a gospel group with her uncle and two cousins, performing at churches, tent revivals, and special occasions. On Sunday afternoons, Uncle Sam would drive the 100-mile round trip to Clinton, North Carolina, so they could sing live on the local AM radio station. Throughout her life, Nelda was often called upon to sing at funerals and community events, sharing her faith through song.

At the age of 19, she married the love of her life, Bobby McDuffie. Together they raised six children and shared 54 years of marriage until his passing. Her greatest joy was her family—her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who were her pride and delight.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Mattie Nelda Britt and Jo Ann Hester; and brothers Roger Elwood Britt, Billy Britt, Bennie Britt and her brother-in-law Richard McDuffie.

Nelda is survived by her daughter, Janet Stanley (Ronnie), and her sons Frank (Wanda), Alan, Steve, Jeff, and Victor McDuffie.

She is also survived by her grandchildren Ashley Gane (David), Kile Riggs (Cinthya), Jennifer Riggs-Torres (Isaac), and Trey McDuffie (Emily); and by her great-grandchildren Michael Riggs, Naomi Torres-Hernandez, Hartford, Savannah, and Valentina Riggs; Lila Gail and Grey Gane; and Carter and Cole McDuffie.

She is also survived by her sister Brenda Ray; brother John Britt; brothers-in-law Curtis Hester and Dewitt McDuffie (Joan); and sisters-in-law Annette Autry, Dolores Hales, and Lynette McDuffie.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at Briar Branch Baptist Church in Elizabethtown, North Carolina. Visitation will be from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m., followed by funeral services beginning at 3:00 p.m. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Nelda also leaves behind a loving circle of mourners who will forever miss her exquisite biscuits.