Nell Dross Seavey

Nell Dross Seavey, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 31st at the age of 94, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and community that will be cherished forever.

Born in Tampa, Florida, on November 23, 1930, Nell married the love of her life, Phil Dross, before finishing college, beginning a beautiful journey that spanned more than 50 years. Just a year after their wedding, Nell became a devoted mother and went on to raise four children—managing a busy household while supporting a husband whose work required frequent travel.

Nell and Phil shared a passion for dancing—especially a lively jitterbug—and enjoyed playing cards and gathering with friends to “solve the world’s problems.” In the 1960s, Nell was an avid bowler and an ever-present figure in her children’s lives, attending every game, match, and event with enthusiasm. She somehow still found time to sew clothes and Halloween costumes, run the concession stand at Sewell Park Baseball fields in East Cobb, and support local schools through the PTA.

A lifelong lover of tennis, Nell co-founded the Cobb Tennis Association in 1974 when Fair Oaks Tennis Center was built. She and Phil even added a second home phone line strictly to field calls for the CTA, running tournaments, leagues, and programs that eventually grew into today’s vibrant Cobb Tennis Community — where tennis and pickleball continue to thrive, thanks in part to her pioneering work.

Nell taught tennis throughout the 1970s and beyond, leading lessons and leagues at Woodsmill Apartments in Marietta, where her passion for the game inspired countless players—many of whom still play today. Her own skill carried her to the national level, and after two knee replacements, she proudly earned a bronze ball in national competition in her 80s.

After Phil’s passing in 2001, Nell found new love with another tennis player and spent 15 years in Gulf Shores, Alabama, where she built deep friendships and continued to play the sport she loved.

In 2017, she returned to Georgia to be closer to family, eventually settling at Celebration Village in 2024. True to form, Nell immediately became a vibrant part of the community—organizing socials, joining committees, competing in a Wii bowling league, and quickly befriending nearly everyone around her.

Nell was known for her radiant smile, her listening ear, her wisdom, and her unwavering kindness. She made everyone she met feel special, loved, and seen.

She is survived by her four children—Phyllis Bruce, Nanci Tarrant, Mike Dross(Marcia Freels), and Tori Nichols (Jay Nichols)—as well as six grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, extended family, and countless friends who were touched by her light.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, November 23, 2025 (Nell’s Birthday), at 2:00 p.m. at The Fellowship at County Line, located at 1183 County Line Road NW, Acworth, GA 30101, with a joyful gathering to follow at the Brookstone HOA Clubhouse, located at 5595 Hedge Brooke Drive NW, Acworth, GA 30101.

For those who feel led to honor Nell’s life through a donation, here are three of her favorite charities: FragileX.org, MusicalCharities.org, and SafePath.org.