Nellie Back Clemons, a beacon of warmth and grace slipped peacefully from this world on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at Wells Hospice Care Center in Hazard at the age of 91. Born on April 25, 1934 at Decoy, KY, Nellie spent her life crafting a legacy of love, resilience, and faith.
She served her community with pride as a cook for the Breathitt County Board of Education, nurturing countless young souls with her culinary gifts until her retirement. Nellie's kitchen was her sanctuary and she fed countless numbers. Her sewing needle was a tool of magic creating warmth and comfort for those she cherished. A devoted advocate for the Lord, Nellie found profound joy within her church community where her spirit flourished. She was a Pentecostal and was always sharing the good news of Jesus with whomever she talked.
The widow of the late Kelly Clemons and the daughter of the late William and Ollie Back Ritchie she was also preceded in death by her son, Jimmy Back; her brothers, Pearl Ritchie, Troy Ritchie, Earl Ritchie, Melvin Ritchie, Junior Ritchie; her sisters, Edna Caudill, Hazel Ritchie, Jewel Holbrook, Helen Davis.
Nellie is survived by her special loving and devoted daughter-in-law, Debra Back; brother, Alvin Ritchie (Lou); sisters, Jean Bates (James), Betty Napier; grandchildren, Daniel Back (Lisa), Eric Back (Eleisha Asher), Jesse Back; her great grandchildren, Caitlin Danielle, Daniel Ray II, Hayley Elizabeth, Kylie Rae, Katelynn Alexandria; her great great granddaughter, Isabelle Rose; special nieces, Briana Cundiff Mathews, Michelle McDaniel (Wendell), Ollie Bates, Tiffany Trent; special nephew, Ricky Holbrook (Connie); special great niece, Kristen Ritchie.
Visitation for Nellie will begin Friday, August 22, 2025 at the Breathitt Funeral Home from 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM. There will be an evening church service starting at 7:00 PM. The funeral service will be held Saturday, August 23, beginning at 1:00 PM with Shawn Yates and Wendell McDaniel officiating. Burial will fo
