Hattie Marie Nelms, a native of Suffolk, Virginia, passed away peacefully on May 28, 2026, at the age of 85. Born on April 3, 1941, Hattie lived a life devoted to her family, her home, and the people she loved most.
Hattie was the beloved wife and widow of Horace Nelms II. As a lifelong homemaker, she dedicated herself to caring for her family and creating a home filled with love, warmth, and treasured memories.
She was the proud mother of four sons: Horace Nelms III, William Lammie Nelms, Rickey Nelms, and Allen Nelms, who preceded her in death. Hattie was a loving grandmother to 18 grandchildren and a cherished great-grandmother to 30 great-grandchildren. She took an active role in helping raise and guide each of them, sharing her wisdom, love, and support throughout their lives.
Hattie found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She loved cooking for her family and friends, often bringing everyone together around the table for meals made with love. She also enjoyed spending time watching her favorite television shows, finding comfort and happiness in those quiet moments.
One of Hattie’s greatest lessons to her family was the importance of love, unity, and staying together through life’s challenges. She often reminded her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren that “family is everything.” Through both the good times and the difficult ones, she taught that family would always have one another, and that kind of love, support, and bond cannot be bought. Her words became a guiding principle for those she loved and will continue to inspire future generations.
Special thanks and heartfelt appreciation to her daughters-in-law, Cathy Nelms and Rose Saad, for their love, care, support, and devotion over the years. Their kindness and dedication brought great comfort to Hattie and meant so much to her.
Hattie will be remembered for her strength, compassion, generosity, and unwavering devotion to her family. Her legacy lives on through the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren whose lives she touched so deeply.
She leaves behind a family who will forever cherish her memory and carry her love in their hearts.
A funeral service will be held Saturday, June 13, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Peninsula Funeral Home in Newport News, Virginia. Interment will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Suffolk, Virginia.
Hattie will be forever loved, forever remembered, and forever missed.