Woman who Aided Thousands of Students in Higher Education, Church Leader, Nellie Jo Brissey, Passes

Nellie Jo Bond Brissey, 93, of Salem passed away on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at her home in Salem.  She was born on April 25, 1931 in Salem, a daughter of the late Harley D. Bond and Marcella Randolph Bond. 

She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Richard Davis Brissey, who passed away on March 9, 2006.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by one daughter, Judith Ann Brissey; one brother, Richard R. Bond and his wife Reva; as well as son-in-law Melvin Nida.

Nellie Jo worked as a financial aid officer for over twenty years at both Salem College, and later at West Virginia University.  She made a lasting impression on the generations of students she helped to afford a higher education.  For those contributions she was recognized in 2024 with the Exemplary Alumni Award from Salem University. 

She was a devoted member of the Salem Seventh Day Baptist Church, which was her extended family.  Nellie Jo served in a variety of leadership roles for the church including Deacon and Treasurer.  She went on to serve the national Seventh Day Baptist denomination as a member of the Memorial Board; where she was the first woman to ever hold that role.  In honor of this work, she received the Robe of Achievement from the Seventh Day Baptist Conference of America in 2000.

Nellie Jo was passionate about music – particularly choral music. She sang from a young age, and continued well into retirement.  She was a member of the Salem Seventh Day Baptist Church choir for eight decades.  She also performed with the Clarksburg Madrigals – along with her husband Richard – for over twenty years.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at 3:00 PM at the Salem Seventh Day Baptist Church, 171 E. Main Street, Salem, WV with Rev. Dale Thorngate and Rev. Andrew Samuels presiding.  Private interment to follow at a later date at the Knights of Pythias Cemetery, Salem, WV.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Nellie Jo’s honor to Camp Joy of West Virginia.  Checks may be mailed to Salem Seventh Day Baptist Church, PO Box 372, Salem, WV  26426.  Online condolences may be sent to www.DavisFuneralHomeSalemWV.com.  Davis Funeral Home of Salem is honored to serve the Brissey family.