Ida Jeanelle Gilreath “Nell”

Ida Jeanelle Gilreath “Nell,” 94, of Kingsport, Tennessee, passed away Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Holston Manor Rehabilitation and Care Center.

Nell was born in Scott County, Virginia, on November 1, 1931, and was the daughter of the late William Thomas and Nannie (Carter) Gilreath, Sr.

She was a precious soul who seemed to always have a smile on her face. Above all else, she loved her family. Her son, Donnie, was the light of her life, and she loved him with everything she had. She had an especially tender heart for babies and adored “her” baby dolls and stuffed animals.

One of the greatest blessings of Nell’s life was the special bond she shared with her twin sister, Nette. The two shared a lifetime of memories, laughter, and a closeness that only twins could truly understand. They always got a kick out of being stopped in public and asked, “Are you all twins?”—a question that somehow never failed to amuse them.

The twins were excellent cooks. Their family will always remember their tenderloin and famous “potato balls,” which were no doubt some of the best in Kingsport.

Nell deeply missed her twin following her passing in 2021, and there is comfort in imagining the two together again, side by side and smiling once more.

In addition to her parents, Nell was preceded in death by her beloved twin sister, Ila Jeanette Gilreath; and her brothers, A. J. Gilreath and William Thomas Gilreath, Jr.

Left to cherish her memory are her beloved son, Billy Donald “Donnie” Gilreath and wife, Donna; granddaughters, Kellye Anderson and husband, Jared, and Keaton Batts and husband, Daniel; great-grandchildren, Asher and Lainey Anderson, and Kamdan, Shiloh, Fallon, and Gunner Batts; sister, Shelba Maddox; many special nieces and nephews; along with her extended family and many others who loved her dearly.

Her sweet and peaceful spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those that loved her.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Monday, October 5, 2026, in the Gene Falin Memorial Chapel of the funeral home. Funeral services will be conducted at 12:00 p.m. with David Castle officiating.

Burial will follow at Holston View Cemetery.

An online guest register is available for the Gilreath family at www.gatecityfunerals.com.

Gate City Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Ida Jeanelle Gilreath “Nell.”