Nell Walkup

Nell Johnson Landers Walkup, 79, of Mooresville NC, passed away on Tuesday, August 22, 2023. She was born May 17, 1944, in New Brighton PA, to the late Ivan and Robertine "Bobbie" Johnson. Nell grew up in Beaver PA and graduated from Beaver High School. After a short stint in nurse's training, she switched schools and majored in art and interior design at Drexel University in Philadelphia PA. Life takes interesting turns, and Ken Landers whisked her away from Drexel to Charleston WV, where they married on March 4, 1966. A few years later, they welcomed their son Kenny. She worked as an interior designer for Boll Furniture and Ted Keiffer and Co. She went back to college and graduated with a degree in Art Education and Home Economics at WV State. She would go on to work as an art teacher at Clendenin Junior High in Clendenin, WV and Sissonville High School in Sissonville WV. She was very involved in the schools, her church, and in the community. In the late 1990s, Ken fell ill and Nell stepped down from teaching to care for him. Ken passed on Feb 3, 2000. A few years later, she relocated to Mooresville, NC to be with her parents. The next decade brought joys and sadness; she welcomed the birth of her two grandchildren and lost her parents. Nell married George Walkup on April 13, 2019 in Mooresville, NC. They would enjoy the next four and a half years together. Nell was a bright light in the world. She was passionate, artistic, determined, a doting Mimi (grandmother), mother, and wife; who loved with all her heart and being. She wasn't afraid to be silly and never took herself too seriously. She had a disarming smile that drew people to her. No one she took a liking to was a stranger for long. Nell was a true artist and her artistry was expressed in everything she did. She enjoyed working in painting, pastels, mixed media, wood turning, and loved exploring new mediums. She enjoyed sewing and made many costumes for her grandchildren. She was always up for a new project and loved to learn new things. She threw herself into everything she did with vigor, and worked to create the professional results she desired. Nell enjoyed spending time with her family, her pets, and her friends. She is survived by her husband, George Walkup, Jr.; her son, Kenny Landers and his wife, Lisa; her grandchildren, Mac and Maggie Landers; her brother, Bob Johnson and his wife, Liz; and her stepson, David Walkup and his wife, Eileen. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Centre Presbyterian Church, Mooresville NC on September 23, 2023 at 2 PM with Rev. Dr. Robert Howard officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Grace Christian Academy - Fine Arts Program in memory of Nell Landers Walkup. Grace Christian Academy 3265 Southall Road Franklin, TN 37064 615-591-3017 or, alternatively to: Centre Presbyterian Church, in memory of Nell Landers Walkup 129 Centre Church Road Mooresville, NC 28117(704) 664-3160 Cavin-Cook Funeral Home and Crematory, Mooresville, is serving the Walkup/Landers family. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.

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Nell Walkup

May 17, 1944 - August 22, 2023