Thelma O. McMurtrey
SUFFOLK—Thelma Oakes McMurtey, 86, widow of Ralph Willis McMurtey, died March 27, 2009, at her residence.
She was born in Chatham, a daughter of the late Edward and Nannie McKinney Oakes.
She was predeceased by a son, Richard Wade “Ricky” McMurtrey.
Mrs. McMurtrey was a devoted homemaker and former seamstress with Dan River Mills, Suffolk Tent & Awning and Portsmouth Tent & Awning.
She was a member of the Holland Women’s Club and a former Girl Scout leader.
She was a member of Holland Baptist Church, the Dorcas Sunday School Class, Women’s Missionary Union and The Grand Age Club.
Survivors include two daughters, Sandra McMurtrey and husband George Goetzke of Arlington and Patsy DeLucia of Windsor; a daughter-in–law, Brenda C. Kennedy and husband Billy; a granddaughter, Tracy L. McMurtrey; and a grandson, Andy DeLucia; three sisters, Garnette, Belle and Clara Mae; and two brothers, Howard and Ralph.
The funeral service was conducted Tuesday at Holland Baptist Church with the Rev. Robert Bunn officiating.
Interment followed at Southampton Memorial Park.
The family suggests memorials be made to Holland Baptist Church, 6519 Holland Road, Suffolk, Va. 23437 or Heartland Hospice, 150 Burnett’s Way, Suffolk, VA 23434.
Wright Funeral Home, Franklin, was in charge of arrangements.
Condolences may be offered at www.wrightfuneralhome.org.

Hazel H. Nelms
SUFFOLK—Hazel Hedgepeth Nelms, 87, died March 29, 2009.
Born in Isle of Wight County, she was the daughter of the late Eunice and William Hedgebeth and was predeceased by a brother, Ray Hedgebeth.
Mrs. Nelms was a devoted wife and mother whose greatest joy in life was her family.
She graduated in 1940 from Windsor High School, and she enjoyed working with her husband on the family farm for many years.
She was active with the women of Boaz Presbyterian Church where she was a lifelong member until she moved her membership to Westminster Reformed Presbyterian Church.
Survivors include her loving husband, Willie Everette Nelms Sr.; daughter, Faye N. Copeland and husband Maurice of Suffolk; son, Willie Everette Nelms Jr. and wife Charlotte of Greenville, N.C.; grandchildren, Mary Ellen Nelms and Michael Byron Nelms of Greenville.
A funeral will be conducted today at 2 p.m. in the R.W. Baker & Co. Funeral Home & Crematory, by the Rev. Dan Kerley with burial in Holly Lawn Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312.
Condolences may be registered at www.rwbakerfh.com.