Nellie Mitchell Yocum Riley, 73, of Florence passed away Oct. 21.

Nellie retired from the United States Air Force after 27 years of loyal service to her country and her flag.  She achieved the rank of colonel after years of hard work and sacrifice.

She is survived by her brother, Charles Mitchell (Helen); nephews, Steven Benefield and Brandon Charles Mitchell (Emily); nieces, Sherry Isbell (Jeff) and Tammy Benefield; several great nieces and nephews; special friends Rick and Fran Martin – if one was in trouble, the other was holding her hand; and a host of cousins and Air Force friends who will miss her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Ruth Mitchell; husband, Jerry Dewayne Yocum; son, Timothy Dewayne Yocum; and sister, Norma Mitchell Benefield.

Visitation will take place Oct. 25 at Pinkard Funeral Home of Russellville Chapel from noon to 2 p.m., with the funeral service following at 2 p.m. Interment will be at Oak Grove Cemetery.

Pinkard Funeral Home of Russellville is assisting the family.