Nellie S. Cabarrus
SUFFOLK—Nellie Holland Saunders Cabarrus died July 17, 2009, at Sentara Obici Hospital, after a brief illness.
The daughter of the late William and Calily Holland, she was born May 5, 1931.
She attended Little Fork School and Nansemond County Training School in Holland.
Mrs. Cabarrus married the late George Aldrich Saunders on April 8, 1948. From this union six children were born. After his untimely death in 1969, she married Harry Cabarrus in 1976.
At an early age, she dedicated her life to Christ and joined Mount Sinai Baptist Church in Suffolk.
For 41 years, she filled the stomachs of those driving along Highway 189 with fried chicken, fried crabs, barbecue sandwiches and the best “big-beef” burgers ever. She also filled their souls with a friendly smile, exuberant laughter and memories that will forever be etched in their minds.
She was preceded in death by her husbands, George A. Saunders and Harry Cabarrus; two daughters, Nellie Uyonne Saunders and Ellen Lorraine Saunders Daniel; and one stepdaughter, Addie Marie Cabarrus.
Survivors include one sister, Mary Gatling; three daughters, Carrie Wiggins (Vernard) of Suffolk, Audrey S. Coppedge (George) of Hampton and Katheryn S. Starks (Robert) of Suffolk; one son, George H. Saunders of Suffolk; and one stepdaughter, Gloria Basnight, of Norfolk.
She will always be cherished in the hearts of 12 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild; two great- aunts, Willie Mae Lawrence and Essie Goings; and a host of in-laws, cousins, relatives and friends.
A celebration of her life will take place at 1 p.m. today at Mount Sinai Baptist Church, Suffolk, where the Rev. Joseph Goode will officiate.
The body will be available for viewing at the church beginning at 11 a.m.
Professional services are entrusted to Nellie’s lifelong friend, Henry Lee Peebles, of Peebles Funeral Home, Suffolk.