Wilma Nelle Jones Safley

Wilma Nelle Jones Safley, 96, died April 6, 2018 in Raleigh, NC, where she recently lived near her sons at Waltonwood Retirement Community. Mrs. Safley, “Nelle”, was born in Hardeman, County, TN to the late Dan Aaron Jones and Elma Rebecca Porter Jones. She was a graduate of Union University in Jackson, TN with a degree in Elementary Education and Home Economics. She was elected Homecoming Queen and a member of Chi Omega Fraternity. Professionally, Mrs. Safley spent 28 years in the classroom teaching students in Robertson County, TN. She was active in local and state education organizations. Mrs. Safley expected excellence of herself, and she challenged her students to always do their best by gaining responsibility and maintaining high ideals. Earlier in her career she served as a Home Demonstration Agent in Lincoln County, TN where she met and married Lawson M. Safley in 1947. They moved to Springfield, TN in 1952 when Mr. Safley became Superintendent of the Highland Rim Experiment Station. Together they served the community and state when Mr. Safley became Brigadier General of the Tennessee National Guard and later in retirement as the District President of Kiwanis International. Mrs. Safley was President of the 20th Century Club, and she supported the Community Concert Program, Farm Bureau, Cub Scouts and County elections. She was Supervisor of the Primary Department at Main Street Church of Christ. Mrs. Safley taught Sunday School at the Church, and she actively support church missions for over 58 years. Mr. and Mrs. Safley moved to their farm in Barren Plains. In “retirement” they enjoyed sharing the bounty of their land with friends and strangers alike. Mrs. Safley is survived by her sons, Lawson M. Safley, Jr. (Pamela) of Raleigh, NC and Charles D. Safley (Charyl) of Durham, NC, brother Allen Jones of Columbia, TN and sister-in-law Elsie Safley of McMinnville, TN. She is the Grandmother of Jennifer Newton (Steven) of Pittsboro, NC, Timothy Safley (Karen), of Durham, NC, Emily Bradley (Josh) of Cary, NC, C. Christopher Safley (Allison) of Alexandria, VA and Callie McKenzie (Timothy) of Waxhaw, NC. She is survived by twelve great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Foreign Missions at the Main Street Church of Christ, 318 N. Main St., Springfield, TN 37172 or Raleigh Church of Christ, 911 Barringer Dr., Raleigh, NC 27606.