Nell Trapp

Mary Nell Atkins Trapp, of Columbus, passed away at her home on May 4, 2025. Nell was born on August 6, 1934, to Oakley and Juanita Atkins. She grew up in the small community of Liberty, Alabama and graduated from Liberty High School.

In 1950, she married Ed Trapp and they remained married for 41 years until his death in 1991. Nell and Ed had two daughters, Judi and Dianne.

Nell’s life was defined by two things – her love of family and her faith in the Lord. She lived each day with a servant’s heart. She was generous and kind. Though she lived a simple and quiet life, her sweet nature left an impact on everyone who crossed her path. To know Nell was to love her.

Her life was her testimony, and she lived each day doing her best to be a good and faithful servant. When life brought her great challenges, she leaned on her strong faith in the Lord and never wavered in her belief of His plan for her.

Her biggest source of joy came from her family. She had a close bond with her five siblings. She loved her two granddaughters immensely. However, without a doubt, her four great-grandchildren held a special place in her heart. The depth of her love for them was immeasurable.

In addition to her parents, Nell was preceded in death by her husband, Ed Trapp; her two daughters, Judi Bowler and Dianne Dallas; her brothers Kellum Atkins and Harold Atkins, and her sister, Anne Harris.

She is survived by her granddaughters Ashley (Drew) Matthews of Columbus, Sarah (Andy) Edwards of Smithfield, VA; her sister Barbara (Scott) Murrah of Columbus; her brother Larry (Cammie) Atkins of Hoover, AL; and great-grandchildren Aven Matthews and Jack Matthews of Columbus and Ashlynn Edwards and Hallie Edwards of Smithfield, VA as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff of Southern Hearts Home Care Agency for their service over the past several years, and especially Marilyn Lockett who became part of the family.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 8 th at Columbus First Methodist Church from 9:00AM-10:00AM with a celebration of her life to follow at 10:00AM in the sanctuary. The service will be officiated by Rev. Dr. Vaughn Stafford.

In memory of Nell, memorials can be made to First Methodist Church, P.O. Box 32, Columbus, MS, 39703.