Mary Nell Tilghman Estes of Alpharetta, GA entered the presence of the Lord on Friday, November 1st, 2024, at the age of 72. Nell was an amazing woman who loved the Lord, her family and friends, and her school and church.

Nell was preceded in death by her father, Lloyd Kelly Tilghman, her mother Joan Hungerford Tilghman and her sister, Lisa Tilghman Mays. She is survived by her husband, Joseph Everett Estes, her children, Nathanael Joseph Estes (Nathan), Benjamin Lloyd Estes (Ben), Elizabeth Joan De La Hunt, Ruth Ann Estes; her brothers, William Lloyd Tilghman and James Winfield Tilghman. She was blessed with eight grandchildren.

Nell was born in Atlanta on February 2, 1952. She grew up in Sandy Springs and was active at Peachtree Presbyterian Church where she eventually married Joseph Estes. They raised four children and were married for 50 years.

Nell's life was marked by love of family and friends. She helped to start the Roswell Alliance Church with her husband, who pastored there for 14 years. She taught women's Bible studies and played the piano. She loved writing and education and with the help of her husband Joe started Bristol Academy. They co-authored a children's book "The Bug Story" which illustrates the old life passing away and new life beginning with faith in Christ.

Nell's joyous smile and godly character were born out of her faith in Jesus Christ, her Savior. She consistently showed peace and contentment even through her difficult last days with cancer.

Throughout her life, Nell demonstrated the verse, "For me to live is Christ, to die is gain." (Phil 1:21)