SOUTHPORT — Alta Woodside Eldridge, affectionately known as “Nannie,” passed away peacefully at her home in Jacksonville, NC, on May 30, 2025, at the age of 78. Born on December 11, 1946, in Phoenix, AZ, Alta was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great- grandmother, sister and friend whose warmth and spirit touched everyone she met.
Alta spent many years sharing her talents as a beautician, bringing joy and beauty to the residents of area nursing homes when she resided in St. Louis, MO. Her gentle touch and caring nature made her work feel like a calling rather than a job.
Her commitment to service extended beyond her work, as she was an esteemed member of the Order of the Eastern Star and was an Eagle with the Masons at Wayne Lodge #526 in Piedmont, MO. These communities provided her not only with fellowship but also with lifelong friendships and shared values.
In her spare time, Alta enjoyed playing bingo and creating crafts. Her days were often started and ended with a strong cup of black coffee, which she sipped on all day long. Alta was known for her caring nature and loving heart who was a bit of a homebody that found joy in the simple pleasures of life and had a knack for making everyone around her smile. Her headstrong determination was matched only by her love for white roses.
She is survived by her cherished daughters, Michelle C. Crow, with whom she lived with and Amy L. Spencer (Christopher) of Piedmont, MO. Alta’s loving spirit will continue to shine through her grandchildren William J. Decker IV, Zachary M. Decker, Katlynn M. Bollinger, and Drake E.A. Faulkner; as well as her great-grandchildren, X’zayvier Decker, Harmony Decker, Spencer Bollinger, Delilah Bowling, Oliver Bollinger, Pike Bollinger, Violet Faulkner, William Faulkner, Willow Faulkner, and Lizzy Faulkner, all of whom brought immense joy to her life.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 13 years, Bobby Lee Eldridge; father, Emerson Woodside; mother, Wilma (Hale) Woodside; and siblings Wanda Kuba, Alice Oberkramer, and Wayne Woodside.
In accordance with her wishes, no services will be held at this time. Instead, her family invites you to raise a cup of black coffee in her honor and remember the warmth and wit that Nannie brought into the world. If anyone would like to send a flower in her memory, please contact her daughter, Michelle Crow at (910) 358-6585.
Alta “Nannie” Eldridge will be dearly missed, but her spirit lives on through the cherished memories shared by her family and friends. May she rest in eternal peace.
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