Nina's obituary
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Nina Bullard Emory, our beloved mother, who peacefully left this world on March 3, 2023, at the age of 74 on a sunny afternoon.
Nina was born to James Conner and Eva Gray Bullard on January 15, 1949 in Roseboro, North Carolina. She grew up near farms in the rural area she lived in until the family moved to Wilmington, North Carolina where she graduated from Hanover High School. She married Larry Ross at the age of 18 in a small family ceremony at her parent’s home and had her first son Larry “Mickey” Ross shortly after. Three years later she had her second son Steven Ross. The family lived together in the small town of Castle Hayne, North Carolina, just north of Wilmington. Larry worked for the railroad while Nina was more than happy to be the central figure in the lives of her boys that she doted on. The family remained there until Larry and Nina divorced in 1980. Six years later, Nina was remarried to Wain Emory.
Wain worked for General Electric and took assignments overseas, which allowed them both the opportunity to travel extensively and see the world, including England, Ireland, China, Egypt, and Turkey. Wain’s career finally took him to Florence, South Carolina where they planned to retire. Unfortunately, Wain died shortly after due to complications with cancer. Nina moved to Wilmington, North Carolina to be closer to family and to help her mother, Eva Bullard.
Nina’s health had been declining for years with several health issues that became much worse in the last couple of years. She went from walking to walker to wheelchair in the space of six months. She moved to Texas to live with her son Steven and daughter-in-law Karla Ross, where they consulted multiple specialists to find ways to help her. Although there were hopeful moments, Nina's condition continued to decline. Nina went on hospice at what turned out to be her last week and she passed away peacefully surrounded by family while her sons held her hands.
Nina lived her life devoted to her family, making time for everyone, and was loved by all who knew her. She had an unwavering faith in God and Christian duty. She was strong and she was brave. She will be a part of her family’s every thought and decision. Not one day will go by that she is not missed. Nina would tell us not to grieve because she is finally free of the pain and gets to love us all forever while waiting patiently for her loved ones to join her for eternity.
Nina was predeceased by her husband Wain Emory, by her sisters Carolyn Jarman and Janice Bullard, her father James Conner Bullard, and by her granddaughter Hannah Ross. She is survived by her sons Mick and Steven, her daughter-in-law Karla, her daughter-in-law Catina, her grandchildren Eli, Elizabeth and Emory, her brothers Ronald, Darryl and Jamie, her sister Cindy, and her mother Eva Bullard.
Nina will be cremated, and her ashes will be combined with Wain's, which will be scattered at a place meaningful to them both. A small family ceremony will be held in May to honor her memory.
A dear mother passed away,
On a sunny March afternoon,
Nina Bullard Emory's spirit,
Left this world all too soon.
A life devoted to her family,
Nina's love was boundless,
A woman of deep faith,
And unshakable kindness.