Nellie McGill

Nellie Louise McGill, 87, of Cape Girardeau died Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2022, at Saint Francis Medical Center.

She was born Nellie Louise Pollock on Easter Sunday, April 21, 1935, to James Creighton and Augusta Pearl Pollack in Ironton, Missouri.

Nellie fondly remembered growing up on the farm in the valley. She called it "God's country". She shared many farm stories with her family, especially grandchildren. She attended Ironton (Missouri) High School, graduating in 1953. She then attended Southeast Missouri State University, graduating in 1957 with degrees in physical education, English and biology. She taught at various schools, including Notre Dame and Lorimier and as a substitute teacher.

She met and married the love of her life, Glenn McGill, on April 25, 1957, at the Baptist Student Center of SEMO. They were devoted to each other for more than 65 years. In the last years, she was Glenn's constant companion as he suffered with Alzheimer's. Nellie would often say, "God has always seen us through everything, and he will see us through now."

Nellie was a member of Lynwood Baptist Church. She channeled her passion for Jesus Christ and books and teaching into the church library and teaching various Sunday school classes, missions and Mother's Day Out. She nurtured lifelong friendships and memories, never forgot any of her students and friends and always remembered them in prayer.

Survivors include her spouse, Glenn; three children, Tim (Sheree) McGill of Fenton, Missouri; Cindy (Kevin) Teegarden of Jackson; and Mark McGill of Springfield, Missouri; five grandchildren, Rebecca (Chris) Perstrope of Fenton, Amy (Adam) Reinking of the Czech Republic, Megan (Steven) Butler of Arnold, Missouri, Courtney (Nathan) Turner of Sikeston, Missouri, and Hunter Teegarden of Jackson; 11 great-grandchildren, Tyler, Chloe, Ellie and Mya Perstrope, Eden, Bennett and Owen Reinking and Judah, Brody, Miles and Reis Butler; brother, Jim (Connie) Pollock; and sister, Bonnie (Jim) Martin.

Nellie was preceded in death by her parents and sister- and brother-in-law, Joan and Bill Mattingly.

The family would like to thank all the caregivers at Auburn Creek, Saint Francis Medical Center heart and neuro teams and Lutheran Home for their exceptional care.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 31, and again from 10 a.m. to service time Tuesday, Nov. 1, at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

Funeral will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 1, at the funeral home, with the Rev. Mark Anderson officiating. Burial will be at Cape County Memorial Park Cemetery in Cape Girardeau.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Alzheimer's Association.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.