12/20/2025
Bernice Avanell “Nell” Moody Lawford peacefully entered her heavenly home on Thursday, December 18, 2025, while residing at Enterprise Health and Rehabilitation Center. She was born on September 13, 1930, to John D. and Alice Adelia Kilpatrick Moody. At the age of 95, Nell was the last surviving member of seven siblings.
“To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.”
2 Corinthians 5:8
This verse captured Nell’s lifelong hope and devotion, and on this day, her greatest desire was fulfilled. She loved her Jesus and her family deeply. Today, she is fully healed, resting in Heaven, and finally home with the Savior she spoke of daily. Prayer was central to Nell’s life, and she considered it a privilege to pray with and over her family and friends. She faithfully reminded everyone that Jesus is coming again and encouraged all to be ready.
Nell was known for her unwavering positivity, often responding “Blessed, blessed” when asked how she was doing. Her sweetness, kindness, and genuine love touched everyone she met. She delighted in welcoming others into her home, where she joyfully entertained and fed her guests with her beloved Southern cooking—especially her famous fried okra. Over the years, she cooked for the Singing Camerons from Scotland, entertained the Happy Goodmans, and graciously hosted numerous pastors and their families. Always beautifully dressed and perfectly coordinated, Nell carried herself with grace and never looked her age. She treasured her red roses and could often be found sitting on the porch, waving and hoping family might stop by. A compliment was always met with her warm reply, “Well, thank you, darlin’.” If Nell knew it was your birthday, you might receive a phone call filled with piano music and song—or perhaps even a lively boogie-woogie.
Nell grew up in Rose Hill, Alabama, and graduated from Straughan High School before attending Troy State Teachers College. After marrying her beloved husband, Leroy, she moved to Elba, where she lived until his passing in 2018. Nell dedicated many years of service working in Medical Records at Elba Hospital.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Leroy Lawford; her parents, John D. Moody and Alice Adelia Kilpatrick Moody; and her siblings, Dorothy Frances McLean, Jonnie Morgan, K.P. Moody, Loretta Hubble, Willie Darling Moody, and James Archie Moody.
Nell is survived by her daughter, Mary Frances Lawford of Panama City Beach, Florida; and her sons, Wayne Lawford (Betty), Dennis Lawford (Susan), and Terry Lawford (Cindy), all of Elba, Alabama. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Pam Bell (Billy) of Panama City Beach, Florida; Stephanie Adkison and Whitney Kirkland, both of Elba; Kerri Rhoads (Rayson Sr.) of Opp; Lyndsay Elliott (Josh) of New Brockton; Heather Strickland (Anthony) of Auburn; Kevin Lawford (Jordan) of Elba; and Joshua Lawford (Claire) of Vestavia Hills. She is further survived by eight great-grandsons, eight great-granddaughters, and two great-great-granddaughters, as well as numerous cherished nieces and nephews.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff and caregivers at Enterprise Health and Rehabilitation Center and to Dayspring Hospice for the exceptional care, compassion, and love shown to Nell and her family.
Family and friends are invited to gather at Hayes Funeral Home in Elba, Alabama, on Sunday, December 21, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. A celebration of life service will follow at 2:30 p.m., officiated by Reverend Garry Winstead. Interment will take place at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery in Elba, Alabama.
