Nellie Goodwin lived a life marked by unwavering faith, selfless devotion to others, and a compassionate heart that touched countless lives. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, nurse, and friend whose legacy of kindness and service will continue through all who knew and loved her.

Nellie was preceded in death by her beloved parents, George Washington Lassiter, Jr. and Ronnie Piland Lassiter; her cherished husband of 59 years, William “Billy” Elbert Goodwin; her son-in-law, Charlie William Walston; her sister, Audrey L. Greene; and her brothers, William George Lassiter and Charlie Lassiter.

She leaves behind a loving family who will continue to honor her memory: her son, William Carroll Goodwin (Amanda); her daughters, Darlene Gordon (Vince), Marianne Walston, and Janet Shinsky (Walt); her grandchildren, Chase Goodwin (Casey), Stephanie Wells (Zach), Kristin Greene (Matthew), William Gordon, Matthew Walston, Jackson Walston, Joshua Gordon, and Anna Shinsky; and her great-grandchildren, Madelyn and Riley Goodwin, Brixton Walston, and Colton Greene. She is also survived by her sisters, Virginia Kight and Mary L. Bunch (Dallas); and numerous nieces and nephews.

A charter member of Wilroy Baptist Church, Nellie’s faith was the foundation of her life. She loved her church family deeply and faithfully served the church for many years in countless ways. She was an active member of the Naomi Sunday School Class and found great joy in fellowship and worship.Throughout the years, she lovingly poured herself into ministries such as Vacation Bible School and Sunday School, always eager to serve wherever needed. Even in her later years, Nellie delighted in participating as an actor in the church’s Christmas Panorama, bringing joy to others through her involvement and faithful spirit. Her church family was truly one of the great blessings of her life.

Nothing brought Nellie greater joy than her family. Her devotion to those she loved was evident in every season of her life. She worked the night shift as a nurse while raising her children, sacrificing sleep and comfort to provide and care for her family. She lovingly opened her home to elderly relatives when they needed care and support, serving them with patience and dignity. She also played an active and treasured role in the lives of her grandchildren, each of whom adored her deeply. Her love was steady, generous, and unconditional, and her family will forever cherish the many memories made with her.

Nellie also found tremendous joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved yard sales and had a special gift for spotting a “good deal.” Many times, the treasures she found were not for herself at all, but purchased with someone else in mind. She delighted in giving to others and was always happiest when she could brighten someone’s day with a thoughtful gift or act of kindness.

She also treasured traveling with her beloved husband, Billy. Together, they shared many memorable adventures, including trips to the Holy Land, Europe, the Grand Canyon, and Sedona. Yet among their favorite destinations was Amish Country, a place they returned to often and loved dearly. They especially enjoyed visiting the Green Dragon Flea Market, attending productions at the Sight & Sound Theater, dining at the Shady Maple Smorgasbord, and simply driving the countryside together. They even spotted a yard sale or two on these trips. They made it a tradition to visit during the semi-annual Ox Roast, creating memories they cherished throughout their marriage.

After Billy’s passing, Nellie found sweet companionship in her little dog, Brandi, whom she dearly loved. She was deeply grateful to her granddaughter, Kristin, for lovingly taking Brandi in as her own and continuing to care for her. Kristin was even able to bring Brandi to visit with her often, both joyful to be reunited.

Nellie devoted her professional life to caring for others as a registered nurse in the Newborn Nursery at Obici Hospital. She was a well-respected and deeply loved nurse known for her competence, compassion, and gentle spirit. Over the course of her career, she held and cared for countless newborn babies, comforting families, and helping welcome new life into the world with tenderness and skill. Her calm presence, caring touch, and collaborative spirit made her a trusted colleague and caregiver. She also took great pride and pleasure in mentoring new nurses, generously sharing her knowledge, experience, and compassionate approach to patient care. Nursing was more than a profession to Nellie — it was truly her calling, and she served others with excellence and love in all she did.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Nellie’s life at a funeral service to be held on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Wilroy Baptist Church, with Rev. Tim Rawls officiating. Burial will follow at Nansemond-Suffolk Cemetery. A time of visitation will be held Tuesday evening from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at Parr Funeral Home & Crematory. Condolences may be registered on parrfuneralhome.com.

Nellie will be remembered for her steadfast faith, compassionate heart, servant spirit, and the unconditional love she shared so freely with everyone blessed to know her.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to the Wilroy Baptist Church Building/Roof Fund in honor of Nellie’s faithful love and dedication to her church family.