Nell Hamlin Jefferson

Nell Hamlin Jefferson, 94, of Danville, VA, died peacefully on Friday, March 7, 2025, at her residence.

She was born on August 28, 1930, in Danville, VA, a daughter of the late James Turner Hamlin, Jr. and Nell Davis Hamlin. She was a graduate of George Washington High School. She then attended Randolph-Macon Woman’s College where she graduated with an A.B. in English. Following a short career working for Union Carbide in New York City she began her long career as an educator, teaching at Chapin School.

She returned to Danville to marry William "Bill" Jefferson on September 2, 1961. After raising their four children she returned to teaching as the beloved librarian at Forest Hills Elementary School. She was an active lifetime member of Mount Vernon United Methodist Church, she was a hospice volunteer, and a member of the Shakespeare Club, Garden Club, and the Wednesday Club. She loved beach trips, orchids, daffodils, opera, dogs, and her family.

She is survived by her children, William H. Jefferson, III., Nell Jefferson Fredericksen (Todd), and their children, Neil and Argo, Richard G. Jefferson (Terri) and their children, Griffin and Bailey, James H. Jefferson; and a brother, Jefferson Davis Hamlin (Winnie).

In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her brother, Dr. James Turner Hamlin; and sisters-in-law, Mary Evelyn Jefferson, and Elizabeth “Betty” Jefferson.

In following her wishes, a private interment will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to, the American Cancer Society, https://donate.cancer.org/?campaign=default&lang=en , God’s Pit Crew, https://godspitcrew.org/donate/ , or the charity of your choice.

Please sign the online guestbook on the Memory Wall at www.townesfuneralhome.com. The Jefferson family has entrusted arrangements to Townes Funeral Home and Crematory, 215 West Main St., Danville, VA, 434-793-1211.