Nettie Elizabeth Horsey (Roberts)

On Wednesday, March 31, 2021, Nettie Elizabeth (Roberts) Horsey, at the age of seventy-eight (78), gained her wings and went onto glory to be with the Lord our God. She was the sixth child of the late Fredrick Alexander Roberts and Iona Ruth (Jones) Roberts birthed via midwife in Jesterville, Maryland on August 25, 1942. Nettie was educated in the Wicomico County public school system attending Salisbury Colored High School and subsequently earned a diploma at James Mitchell Bennett High School. Nettie was married for twenty-three (23) years to the late Olden Wesley Horsey and together they had six children. She was employed at Cold Water Seafood, Showell Poultry, Perdue Farms, Wicomico Nursing Home, and ultimately a caregiver to several local residents of Salisbury. A devout Christian, Nettie’s biblical education began at Elzey United Methodist Church in Jesterville, Maryland and she continued participating in Bible studies at Wesley Temple United Methodist Church in Salisbury, Maryland until the time of her death. She served faithfully in numerous duties to include Usher Board, Chancellor Choir and Full Gospel Choir, Culinary/Food Ministry, and Hospice. Nettie, affectionately called Grand Nettie, Mrs. Nettie, Mom Nettie, or as her children (as well as an innumerable mass of engrafted children) referred to her as “Mom.” It is modest to say that “she was loved by many.” Her home was just as much a safe haven for the tired, left out, misunderstood, or mistreated as it was a meeting place for promoting family fun and forging friendships. Nettie’s door was always open as she graciously extended love and compassion that have profoundly touched the lives of so many. Her love of Bible studies was evident by her propensity for extending an invitation to others to join a Church. And her love of Church was only surpassed by her love of the Lord Jesus Christ and seeing those whom she once witnessed to receive His saving Grace. Those who accepted her offer are saved, sanctified, and delivered; some are serving today as evangelists, ministers, and pastors making a difference in their communities just as Nettie made a difference within her community. Nettie enjoyed praising God, listening to gospel music, doing word puzzle and searches, and was an avid reader and thinker. She enjoyed being pampered, especially by her daughter Oleana, making countless excursions to the manicurist and pedicurist. Nettie was infamously known to be adorned with rings. She really liked rings! She could be recognized at times wearing some twenty-seven (27) variously crafted rings; all with their very own personal and unique acquisition story. And she excitedly looked forward to telling everyone the stories behind them! Though Nettie had a passion for spending time doing many things, nothing gave her more joy than spending time with family…and extended family. And the reciprocal could be said of her children toward her. Her daughter Lovie blessed her with the first of a multitude of grandchildren. Dorothy was Nettie’s youngest and gave her comfort and encouragement during strenuous times. Bryant and Gary were forever and faithfully at her beckoning. Mourning Nettie’s death are: her children, Oleana Smith, Lovie, Gary and Sharon, Bryant and April, and Dorothy and Michael Brooks. Grieving also are two of her siblings, Rufus “Wimpy” Roberts and Lorraine Cornish and a host of grandchildren, nephews, nieces, cousins and friends, as well as a very special best friend and cousin, Julia Ann Arrington. Only one child, Julia Horsey-Smack, preceded her in death. Sadly, she was also was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Stacey Lynn Horsey, grandsons, Jykeem Akrim and Jýzhir Horsey and five siblings, Elizabeth, Marian, Revender, Jenet, Fredrick Jr. and Lucille. But with exceedingly great joy, Nettie has departed to meet up with her Savior the Lord Christ Jesus and those partakers of His love who have gone before. Until our glorious arrival, may God’s peace be with you.

Nettie Elizabeth Horsey (Roberts)

August 25, 1942 - March 31, 2021