Nellie Kate Tepper

Nellie Kate Tepper passed away January 18, 2024 at the age of 86. She was born October 7, 1937 to the late John and Mary Cottingham. 

In her career, Nellie Kate dedicated her time and talents to Cahaba Regional Mental Health. Her compassion and dedication were evident in every interaction she had with those in need. Her commitment to helping others will be remembered by the countless lives that she touched. Nellie Kate was a woman of faith, actively involved in both Westwood Baptist Church and Pisgah Presbyterian Church in Selma. At Westwood Baptist Church, she not only played the organ but also taught Sunday school for many years. She graduated from A.G. Parish High School in 1956 and went on to pursue higher education at Wallace Community College, Judson College, and A.U.M.

While Nellie Kate's professional achievements were remarkable, it was her personal relationships that truly defined her character. She adored spending time with her grandchildren, cherishing every moment they shared together. The love between them was undeniable and brought immense joy to Nellie Kate's life. Among her proudest accomplishments was serving on the Board of Directors at Judson College in Marion. Her dedication to this esteemed institution showcased her passion for education and ensuring that future generations had access to quality learning opportunities. Additionally, she served as the president of the Cow Belles, an organization that would later become the Alabama Cattlewomen. 

She was preceded in death by her brothers, Russell Barnes Cottingham, Dorman Mylette (Janet) Cottingham; sister, Betty Jane (Goode) Hudson; nieces, Mary Alice Haugen and Juanette Cottingham and nephew, Ricky Cottingham.

She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Sol H. Tepper, Jr.; son, Sol H. Tepper, III (Lisa Shipman); daughter, Julia (Frank) Middleton; grandchildren, Tepper (Lindsey) Middleton, Katianne (Jake) Wheeler, Allie (Matthew) Dunkin, Sarah Kate Tepper, Frank Thomas Middleton, Cameron (Anna Kate) Boney and Tyler Boney; three great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of Lawrence Brown-Service Funeral Home with Dr. Ed Eaton officiating. Interment will follow at Pineview Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Pallbearers will be Tepper Middleton, Frank Tomas Middleton, Jake Wheeler, Matthew Dunkin, Cameron Boney, Eric Haugen and Tyler Boney.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Cowboy Church of Prairie; 28802 Highway 25, Faunsdale, Alabama 36738 or Imago Dei Church c/o Davie Lyons, P. O. Box 54, Lowndesboro, Alabama 36752.