Nell Marie Carraway

Nell Marie Carraway, a beloved resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2025, surrounded by loved ones, at the age of 88. She was born on July 14, 1937, in Baker, Louisiana, to Hermon Levi Milton Sr., and Oney Bernice (Graham) Milton, the fourth of their six children.

Nell graduated from Baker High School in 1955, where she was an active member of the marching band and was crowned “Beauty Queen” of Baker High School. She was also a top 10 contender of Miss Baton Rouge of 1955. That same year, a blind date arranged by a dear friend introduced her to James Ferrell Carraway, a student at Louisiana State University (LSU). The couple married on June 1, 1957, and shared 66 years of marriage until James’ passing in June 2023.

After high school, Nell attended Spencer Business College in Baton Rouge, earning a General Business Diploma. She began her career as an administrative assistant at Delta Tank. In 1972, her husband’s career with Lockheed Aircraft led the family to Saudi Arabia, where Nell worked as an executive administrative assistant for Raytheon Missile Systems. Living in the Middle East allowed Nell and her family to travel extensively, immersing themselves in diverse cultures and witnessing history firsthand. She often spoke of her gratitude for these experiences, which enriched her life profoundly. She often reflected on how she had experienced so much of the “world’s greatness”.

Nell was a devoted mother to her two sons, James Ferrell Carraway Jr. (Tidakan) and Ricky Lynn Carraway, born in 1959 and 1960. She was a loving grandmother to three grandchildren, Brittany Nicole Carraway Venia (Michael), Jayson Ferrell Carraway, and Jayme Ashley Carraway; and a proud great-grandmother to Canyon Ibrahim Venia, Lyric River Venia, and Skye Nell Venia. Nell is also survived by her sister, Marlowe Milton Prinzing.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Hermon Levi Milton Sr., and Oney Bernice (Graham) Milton; her husband, James Ferrell Carraway; and her siblings, Hermon Levi Milton Jr., Jackson Hollis Milton, LeJeune Milton Riley, Wayne Earl Milton.

Visiting hours will be held at Resthaven Funeral Home, 11817 Jefferson Hwy, Baton Rouge, LA 70816, on August 9, 2025, from 10:00 AM until the funeral service at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow at Resthaven Gardens of Memory. Pallbearers will be Mike Milton, Pat Milton, Mark Milton, Timmy Milton, Chad Milton, and Darren Merritt.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to First United Methodist Church, 930 North Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70802, or Jubilee Pioneers, 12648 Patin Dyke Road, Ventress, LA 70783, in memory of Nell Marie Carraway.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Louis Minsky and his staff, Dr. Daniel LaVie and his staff, the Baton Rouge Hospice Homecare team, and the Hospice Butterfly Wing staff.

Family and friends are invited to sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com.