Delma Jean Autrey

Delma Jean “Big Nanny” Autrey, age 76, of Sylva, NC went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, April 26, 2020 surrounded by her loving family. She was the wife of the late Calvin Autrey and the daughter of the late John Lewis and Margaret Magdalene Aiken. She was also preceded in death by 3 brothers; J.D.Aiken, Lewis Aiken and Cecil Aiken, 3 Sisters; Dorothy Russell, Doris Coggins and Darlene Johnson. She is survived by 3 Children; Pam (Mickey) Bumgarner, Calvin (Kathy) Autrey Jr., and Patty (Steve) Shuler all of Sylva 1 Brother- Odell Aiken (Nina) of Sapphire 1 Sister-in-law- June Aiken of Cashiers 6 Grandchildren, 18 Great Grandchildren, and lots of nieces and nephews as well as great nieces and nephews also survive. Big Nanny was Mom to 3 and Nanny Autrey to too many people to count. Her house was always full, it was your own fault if you left Nanny's house sad or hungry. Delma was a cook by profession, the Jarrett House being her last job. She was a Member of Cashiers Baptist Church. A Celebration of her life will be held in the parking lot of Hamburg Baptist Church Saturday May 2, 2020 at 2:00 PM. She will be laid to rest between her parents in Hamburg Cemetery with the Revs. Johnny Norris, Tommy Madden and Don Coggins officating. The following was Nanny's favorite poem she has kept this for 56 years. "How will I be remembered ?" What will they say about me Those whom I hold so dear? What will they best remember When I'm no longer here? Will they recall mistakes I've made Battles I never won? Moments of pain I've cause them Things I have left undone? Will they sensor my human feelings And wish I'd been noble and strong? Will they scoff at the hopes I nurtured The dreams that somehow went wrong? Or will they be moved by compassion Directed from Heaven above To temper their judgement with kindness And soften their memories with Love. by Alice E. Chase