She was born in Charity, Va. to the late Ellis K. Wood and Bertha Nolen Wood.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Chester Nolen, two brothers, Hanford Wood and Gifford Wood, three sisters, Eura Tuggle, Viola Rorrer, and Lucy Opal Wood, two nephews and one niece. She is survived by her son, Ronnie Nolen and wife Angela, a daughter Denise Taylor and husband Ronnie, two step grandchildren, three step great grandchildren, a sister Edna Mae Atkins and husband, Edwin, brother, Glaten Wood and wife, Peggy and numerous nieces and nephews.
Essie Nolen was small in statue but mighty in influence. She was a wonderful mother and homemaker. Caring for her family was a top priority. Among her many talents was cooking, whatever she fixed was so delicious. Trying to go by her recipes was in vain for most, it never tasted like hers. Ronnie said, it was because she put so much love in her cooking. Essie loved going up to Charity visiting the old home place and reminiscing about how things used to be, 93 years of living can give you great insight. Her mind was always so sharp. Essie was very loved by her two children and their spouses. She lived a long full life and we will treasure her memories forever. She was a member of Smith River Church of the Brethren. Funeral Services will be conducted at 2:00 PM Saturday, October 13, 2018 at Collins Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Danny Gilley officiating. The family will receive friends from12:30 to 2:00 PM at the funeral home prior to the service. Interment will follow in Henry Memorial Park. The family request in lieu of flowers, donations are asked to be made to Smith River Church of the Brethren, 2282 Bob White Road, Stuart, Va. 24171. The family would like to thank her caregivers for the wonderful care, love and support they provided: Kathy Shilling, Dianne Duggins, Mary Martin, Donna Thompson, Lisa Brown, Nadia Ballard, and Lisa Galiger.
