Nina G. Wooldridge

Nina G. Wooldridge, of Norfolk, Virginia, passed away peacefully on April 11, 2026, just days shy of her 71st birthday, following a short yet valiant battle with serious illness. Her passing leaves a profound void in the hearts of all who knew and loved her, but her legacy of kindness, strength, faith, and generosity will continue to live on through her family and community.

Born to the late William Goode, Jr. and Margaret Thompson Goode, Nina was also preceded in death by her beloved brother, William “Boy” Goode. She carried the values of her upbringing—hard work, compassion, and resilience—through every season of her life.

Nina shared an extraordinary 50-year marriage with her devoted husband, Dudley Blaine “Doug” Wooldridge. Their bond was one of enduring love, deep respect, and unwavering partnership. Doug, a respected and accomplished figure in the shipyard industry for most of his life, stood faithfully by Nina’s side through every chapter of their shared journey, building a life rooted in family, faith, and service to others.

She was a proud and loving mother to her son, Christopher Shawn Wooldridge, an accomplished and caring member of the community with a devotion to family and friends. He shares a passion for service with his mother, and commits time to helping those in need, embodying a deep understanding of the gift of giving that was instilled in him by his mother. Nina loved her son Chris dearly and pushed him to be the best he could be with wisdom and commitment, often referring to him as the apple of her eye and the light of her life. Alongside his wife, Megan Marie Wooldridge, he continues to carry forward her legacy of compassion, generosity, and commitment to others.

Nina’s joy was her family, especially her grandchildren: Jackson Blaine Wooldridge, who works Carnival Cruise Lines and is soon to serve as an airman of the United States Air Force; Chase Christopher Wooldridge, currently serving as an enlisted Airman in the United States Air Force stationed in Omaha, Nebraska; Easton James Wooldridge; and Elle Alexandra Wooldridge. She was also deeply connected to Jackson and Chase’s mother, Jennifer Carp, and her husband John, whose presence in their lives she both valued and respected.

She is also survived by her best friend and sister Darlene Fabry, whom she loved so dearly, and her husband Richard Fabry; her daughter, Terri Renee Behrman; and her cherished grandchildren, Hailey and Hannah. Nina’s love extended widely across her family, embracing each member with warmth and unwavering devotion.

For decades, Nina was a beloved presence at S. Ray Barrett’s Dry Cleaners, where she built not just a career, but a community. She formed lasting relationships with customers and neighbors alike, becoming a trusted and familiar face whose authenticity and kindness left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

Nina lived a life defined by generosity and service. She regularly gave blood, donated her time to charitable causes, and quietly supported those in need whenever she could. Her giving spirit was never for recognition, but simply because it was who she was—someone who gave before she received.

She also embraced life with a remarkable sense of adventure. In her later years, Nina skydived with courage and joy, and fearlessly braved the Class 5, wild rapids of West Virginia, proving that her spirit remained bold, vibrant, and full of life at every age.

A passionate traveler, Nina explored the world with wonder and gratitude. She especially cherished her journeys shared with her dear best friends Linda and Dave Hodges, whose companionship made her adventures even more meaningful and memorable.

At home, Nina found peace and joy in her gardening, cultivating spaces of beauty that reflected her nurturing spirit. She had a rare ability to make people feel seen, valued, and loved—an authenticity that defined her life.

Nina had a deep and abiding faith, with a special relationship with the Lord that guided her throughout her life. She lived with humility, gratitude, and grace, often described as a “walking angel” for the light she brought into the lives of others.

She had an extraordinary gift for making something out of nothing—stretching a dollar, creating beauty in simple things, and turning ordinary moments into lasting memories. She balanced hard work with joy, responsibility with adventure, and faith with action.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Nina’s life on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Smith & Williams Funeral Home, 4889 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23462. A Public viewing from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m, followed by a funeral service to begin at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Nina’s memory to the SPCA and Norfolk Zoo—causes that reflect her love for animals and her generous spirit.

Nina (Bubba, Mama, Gramma, NiNi, and Aunt NiNi) will be deeply missed and forever cherished. Her spirit lives on in every life she touched, every garden she nurtured, and every act of kindness she inspired.