Nellie Guill Sweeney

She was born August 14, 1915, in Lynchburg; she was a daughter of the late Robert Davis Guill and Pattie Lou Guill. She had four siblings, two brothers and two sisters. Her siblings preceded in death were, Walter Guill, Grace Guill, Evelyn Guill Frye, and Burt Guill. She was also preceded in death by a son, Peter Vincent Sweeney, Jr. She worked and retired from Craddock Terry Shoe Corporation with 15 years of service. Nellie was a long time member of Holy Cross Catholic Church.

Survivors include four children, Joy S. Blondino, of Lynchburg, Mary Jane S. Gordon, of Madison Heights, William L. “Billy” Sweeney and wife Pat, of Lynchburg, and Katherine “Kitty” S. Wood, of Madison Heights. She has 10 grandchildren, Mickey Fitzgerald, Ricky Fitzgerald, John Fitzgerald, Katherine F. Bushnell, Kenneth L. Harris, Jr., Peter Harris, Barri Wood, Cheri Wood, Rhonda Robertson and Rachel Webber. She had 15 great-grandchildren, Kenneth L. Harris, III, Ashleigh Harris, Jared Harris, Brett Fitzgerald, Chase Fitzgerald, Scott Fitzgerald, Jenna Fitzgerald, Peter Harris, Jr., Amanda Harris, Jacob Robertson, Nathan Robertson, Bess Fitzgerald, James Fitzgerald, Nellie Fitzgerald, and Nicholas Fitzgerald. Other friends include caregivers, Loretta V. Gunter, Brenda Love, and longtime friend Gigi Holt among many others.

Nellie had a great love for her family. She was a peaceful, fun-loving woman, with a great love of travel. She traveled with her daughter, Kitty, and her family on many trips across the United States. She also traveled with her grandsons, Mickey and John Fitzgerald to Hawaii and Rio de Janeiro. She loved to sing and dance. She had a kind heart and spirit. To know her was to love her. Her smile could light up the room. She had a quick wit about her and never had any cross words to say about anyone. She loved so many and was loved by all. She lived a long and happy life. She was an amazing, extraordinary woman whom will not be forgotten. Her memory will live on with her family.

The family will receive friends Thursday, March 8, 2012, from 6-8:00 p.m., at Whitten Monelison Chapel. A prayer service will begin at 7:00 p.m. The family wishes to thank those who made her days here on Earth more peaceful, especially Dr. Richard Bendall, Dr. Armock, Dr. Betts, Loretta Gunter, Brenda Love, and Centra Hospice especially Vicky Bailey.

For those wishing to remember Nellie, please consider the needs of the family by making donations in care of Whitten Funeral Home.

A funeral mass will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 9, 2012, at Holy Cross Catholic Church, by Msgr. J. Kenneth Rush. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.