Nellie Wood Fifer

Born on July 18, 1941, in Amherst County, Virginia, Nellie was the daughter of the late Harry Wood Jr. and Alice Layne Wood. She was also preceded in death by her beloved husband of 67 years, Harold Dean Fifer; and her siblings, Nancy Beatrice, Dale Mays, and Barbara Ware.

Nellie was a woman whose kindness, generosity, and genuine love for people left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She never met a stranger and was happiest when visiting with friends, sharing stories, or lending a helping hand. Her favorite saying, "Too blessed to be depressed," reflected the joyful spirit and grateful heart that carried her through life.

Her faith was the foundation of her life. She faithfully began each day by reading her Bible and was a lifetime member of Cornerstone Baptist Church. She also faithfully attended New Prospect Baptist Church, Big Island Baptist Church, and Clearview Baptist Church over the years.

For 18 years, Nellie worked as a waitress at Otter Creek Restaurant, where she enjoyed serving others and building lasting friendships.

Nellie treasured her family above all else. She dearly loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and found great joy in spending time with them. She had a servant's heart and was known for baking cakes to share with friends, making her famous potato salad and deviled eggs for gatherings, and always thinking of ways to brighten someone else's day.

Music was one of Nellie's greatest passions. She played the guitar throughout her life and loved singing country, bluegrass, and gospel music. She also found joy in life's simple pleasures, especially doing laundry and neatly folding clothes. She had a wonderful sense of style, loved beautiful jewelry, and was even voted "Best Dressed" at Centra PACE, where she cherished the friendships she made with fellow participants, staff, and caregivers.

Those left to cherish her memory include her three children, Lesley Dean Fifer (Kathy), Troy Allen Fifer (Rhonda), and Michelle Reaves (Roy); her brother, Roy Wood (Audrey); four grandchildren, Taylor Fifer (Alicia), Ben Fifer (Ashley), Rae Ellen Reaves, and Ridge Reaves; three great-grandchildren, Taylynn Fifer, Josie Fifer, and Dawson Fifer; bonus grandchildren, Colt Eubank, Remington Eubank; and her special friend, Sheri Tuck.

The family will receive friends during a floating visitation on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Whitten Monelison Chapel. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Cheatham Family Cemetery, Route 727, Naola, Virginia, with Pastor Zane Kramer and Rev. Doug Turner officiating.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Nellie's devoted caregivers: Vicky Branham, Allison Hamm, Leslie Ann Ackerman, Ashley Fifer, Gloria Reaves, and Kelly Wilson. They also wish to thank the staff, caregivers, and many dear friends at Centra PACE for the love, care, and companionship they provided throughout the years. A special thank you is also extended to Heather, her compassionate nurse with Centra Hospice, for the exceptional care, comfort, and kindness she provided to Nellie and her family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Centra PACE, 1920 Atherholt Road, Lynchburg, VA 24501, or https://share.google/3nkCoLixWjoitYEf2 with "Centra PACE" noted in the memo line, or to Clearview Baptist Church, 2183 Sunnymeade Road, Rustburg, VA 24588.