Nancy "Nana" Cordell

Nancy Lee Turner Cordell, affectionately known as Nana, passed away peacefully at age 84 on July 27, 2024, at Harmony Reynolds Mountain following a battle against dementia since February 2017. The family would like to thank her caretaker and friend, Petey Sims, for her loving devotion to their mom.

Born on September 22, 1939, in Bryson City to the late Charles D. and Elsie Hall Turner. Nana was a lifelong resident of North Carolina and cherished for her roles as a devoted wife, mother, sister, and homemaker.

Nana graduated in 1957 from Southern High School in Durham. She attended Warren Wilson College, studying Home Economics, which fueled her passion for gardening, baking, and sewing—skills that brought joy to many and beautified her surroundings. She was a dedicated member of the Biltmore Church of God, where she actively participated in the Ladies Auxiliary and nurtured her deep faith. Her life was a testament to service, both within her family and the community, as she cared for many family members and friends throughout her life.

Nana is survived by her children; Linda Hall (Steve) of Forest City, Brenda Burrell (Jody) of Asheville, Saundra Devinney (Bryan) of Pickens, SC, and Edward Duane Cordell (Amber) of Moore, SC. She was a proud grandmother to Jennifer Burrell, Amanda H. Lunsford (Dillon), Kelly H. Hutzel (Andrew), Phillip Burrell (April), Jonathan Burrell (Lauren), Linda Cordell and Jake Cordell. She was great-grandmother to Arianna and Maya Hutzel, Beckett Burrell, Ezra and Declan Burrell, Maisie Lunsford and Avery Burrell.

She also leaves behind her brothers, Charles Dennis”C.D” (Mae), Harold (Mary), John, Jim (Audrey), Mac (Joyce), and Kenneth Turner.

Preceding her in death was her beloved husband Dr. Charles E. Cordell; her siblings, Phillip and Nathan Turner, Reva Turner Johnson, and Gwendolyn Turner McDuffie.

Visitation for family and friends will be held on Thursday from 6 to 8 PM at Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian on Long Shoals Road, Arden, NC. The funeral service will take place at the same location on Friday at 12 noon with Rev. Dale Whitson of Biltmore Church of God officiating. Burial to follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park. Pallbearers are Phillip Burrell, Jonathan Burrell, Jake Cordell, Dillon Lunsford, Andrew Hutzel, Beckett Burrell and honorary pallbearer Ezra Burrell.

Nana’s life was a beautiful blend of family devotion, community service, and unshakable faith. Known for her kindness, great smile and infectious laughter, she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.