Visel Nervis

Visel Savage Nervis, affectionately known as “Vye”, was born Sunday. January 5, 19l3 in Hampton. Virginia. Vye celebrated her l00th birthday this year with family and dear friends was and it was a day of thankfulness. Her children and grandchildren fondly spoke of Visel as the “Queen”. On Sunday, April 14, 2Ol3, Queen Vye peacefully passed away at Henry Ford Hospital with her family and friends in attendance.

Born to the late Albert and Effie Lee (Banks) Savage, Visel had three brothers - Charles, Richard and Harry - who preceded her in death. Vye was baptized at First Baptist Church of Hampton and accepted Christ Jesus as her Savior. After completing high school, Vye continued her education and in 1935 graduated from the Historic Back College Hampton Institute. Upon receiving her degree in education Visel taught high school English and French in North Carolina for seven years.

While in North Carolina, Visel was courted by a handsome soldier, Mr. Seabrone “Nit" Nervis, and they were united in marriage on November 2, 1943. The couple moved to Detroit, Michigan and to their union two beloved daughters, Linda and Jeanne, were born.

Proverbs 31:10 "Who can find a virtuous woman? For her place is far above rubies.”

Visel was a woman of faith and the heart of the family. She shaped their spirituality by her tireless Christian example of prayer and faithfulness. Vye began each morning with a reading from the Portals of Prayer and closed her days in prayer on her knees, thanking God for His love and blessings. She was a devoted and faithful member of St. Philips Lutheran Church until her health declined.

Proverbs 31:26 “She opens her mouth in wisdom; kindly instruction is on her tongue.”

Visel loved words – books, crossword puzzles, witty conversations. Her words could be strong, however, they were words of confidence, wisdom and encouragement.

Proverbs 31:27 “She watches over the affairs of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness."

Visel was a hard worker inside and outside of her home. She spent time working in her garden, letting her daughters experiment in the kitchen, teaching Jeanne how to crochet, and supporting and encouraging her family in whatever way she could. She never missed a program in which one or both of her daughters was performing. Vye was employed as a correctional officer at Detroit House of Correction, commonly known as DeHoCo. Vye retired from that position on March 6, 1976.

Proverbs 31:28 “Her children rise up and call her blessed.”

Visel was a loving wife to “Nit” who passed in 2000, and she never missed an opportunity to express her love for her daughters, grandchildren, family and friends. Her low-key manner was led by her gentle, yet firm, nature. Above all else, Vye was generous of heart and spirit.

Visel enjoyed good times and laughter. She loved playing cards with family and neighbors. Pinochle, Bid Whist, Bridge, Po-Ke-No, and Gin Rummy were her favorites. The dining room table was the place to be after 8pm. Evenings between 7 & 8 PM company was off limits because Vye was an armchair contestant on the “Wheel of Fortune” and "Jeopardy" game shows. Visel viewed competition as a character builder. Always the teacher and wanting others
to "learn", she played hard and expected others to do the same.

In the last 11 years, Alzheimer’s clouded Vye’s mental health. However, there were moments when Vye’s special brand of witticisms and observations shone through – to the delight of all.

Vye leaves to cherish her memory two loving daughters, Linda Nervis and Visel Jeanne Franklin; grandchildren, Monica and Aaron Franklin; two great-grandchildren, Jalen and Aeryn Franklin, and many beloved family and dear friends.

Vye will be missed by her family and friends, but the knowledge that she is in the loving arms of the Lord and will live in eternal peace in His Heavenly Home, will sustain all of those who knew her.