Nellie Mae Broce, 90, of Blacksburg, gently passed into the house of the Lord on Sunday, Oct. 8th.
She was the youngest child born to the late Staley Coomes and Mary Jane Coburn in Princeton, West Virginia, on Feb. 26, 1927. She married her husband, G.R. “Randy” Broce, of sixty-eight (68) years in 1945 and raised three loving children. She was dedicated to her family in every way.
Nellie was a warm, compassionate, outgoing woman with a terrific sense of humor, an infectious smile, and a willing ear. Everyone she met was drawn to her energy and outlook on life.
Nellie was an avid reader and enjoyed gardening, canning, quilting, and making soap. She was the matriarch of Straley Valley Farm where she liked to take long walks. She also enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren at the river. She rescued many animals and gave them a forever home, including Miss Kitty and Butch.
Nellie was a lifelong member of New Mount Zion Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday School for children and sang in the choir. She also worked at the Radford Arsenal and for Montgomery County Schools.
Her love and memory will be cherished by her children, Joe Broce and wife, Debbie, and Roger and wife, Becky, both of Blacksburg. She will be missed by her grandchildren, Leisa Freeman (Jason), John R. Broce, Jr. (Linda), Stacye Broce (Dwight), Chad Broce (Gaile), Stephanie Tew (Brian) and Shannon Sander (Gabe). Her great-grandchildren, Lukas, Eliza, Nathan, Morgan, Berkley, Caroline and Camden will honor her memory. She leaves behind many caring relatives, friends and neighbors. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Randy Broce; son, John R. Broce, Sr.; grandson, Joe G. Broce, Jr.; granddaughter, Michelle Broce; sister, Ruth Howell; and nephew, Mack Coomes.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff of Commonwealth Senior Living for the excellent care they provided while Nellie was a resident. We appreciate Intrepid hospice and their love and support in Nelllie’s last days.
A Celebration of Nellie’s life will be held at New Mount Zion Lutheran Church at 2350 Poverty Creek Road, Blacksburg ,Virginia today Oct. 11 at 2:00 p.m., with Pastor Richard Bansemer officiating with burial followed at the church cemetery. Her family will receive friends one hour prior to the church service. Arrangements by McCoy Funeral Home, Blacksburg.