As the oldest child in her family, Nelma naturally took on the role of a “second momma” to her younger siblings. She grew up on a farm, where she learned early the importance of hard work and independence. From childhood through her teenage years, Nelma enjoyed cars and riding motorcycles, beginning a lifelong appreciation for adventure and having a good time.

Nelma attended school in Chester County in Henderson, TN, and later earned her GED. Determined to continue her education, she returned to school in her 30s and earned a degree in accounting from Jackson State Community College, an accomplishment of which she was proud.

On March 22, 1980, Nelma married her soulmate, Kenneth Dabbs, in Humboldt, TN. She was incredibly proud of her husband and treasured the life they shared together.

Nelma spent her career working in factories and retired from Maytag in 2000. She was a member of Avondale Baptist Church in Humboldt, TN, as well as a member of AARP.

Nelma knew how to enjoy life. She loved crocheting, camping, reading, dancing, and spending time along the Buffalo River. She was a fan of John Wayne and NCIS, and Christmas was especially dear to her. She loved decorating for the holiday and filling her home with the spirit of the season.

The kitchen was another place where Nelma shined. A wonderful cook and affectionately known as the “Casserole Queen,” she believed that if you were going to splurge on anything in your home, you should splurge on your kitchen. She also loved to bake, especially when she could do so alongside her great-grandson, Tristan.

Above all, Nelma believed in teaching her family to be strong and independent. She encouraged them to take care of themselves, work hard, and never depend on someone else to do what they were capable of doing for themselves. Those lessons, along with the many memories she created with those she loved, will remain an important part of her legacy.

Nelma was preceded in death by her parents, James and Thelma King; her great-grandson, Riley Jayce Knuckes; and three sisters, Judy Loftis.

She is survived by her daughter, Valery Rhodes of Sulphur; sons, Kevin Rhodes of Humboldt, TN, and Larry Rhodes of Henderson, TN; brother, Wayne King of Henderson, TN; 11 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; sisters, Carol Maness, and Bonnie Hostetler, and many other family members and friends who will cherish her memory. A viewing will be held from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at DeArman Funeral Home in Sulphur.