Lorraine Burchett Nicewonder

Lorraine Burchett Nicewonder passed away October 11, 2023, after a long illness. She was born February 4, 1933, at Tarpon, Virginia to parents Walter and Dora Burchett. She is survived by her husband of 70 years, J.D. Nicewonder, daughter Carolyn Nicewonder Beverly and her husband Frank Beverly, Jr. of Barboursville, Virginia; daughter Sherry Nicewonder and her son Nicholas Ozioli of McLean, Virginia; son Mark Nicewonder of Miami, Florida; and numerous nephews, nieces, grandnephews, and grandnieces.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Dora Burchett, her older brother Bernard Rakes and his wife Wanda Rakes, along with several cousins, nephews, and nieces.

Lorraine was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, and a skilled, organized, and dedicated housewife. She loved to cook, loved to keep roses, was an avid reader, and she and J.D. were enthusiastic supporters of local athletic teams. Once her children left home to pursue their higher educations, one of Lorraine’s most cherished achievements was to resume her own education while the children were also in college. She attended classes at Clinch Valley College (now UVA Wise) and picked up where she left off in Haysi by achieving excellent grades. 

She and J.D. traveled widely, and those personally enriching experiences were made even more fulfilling by offering the opportunity to collect gifts, mementos, and souvenirs to share with friends and family. In fact, gift giving was something that gave her great pleasure, and is reflective of the love and attention she lavished on others all her life.

The family gratefully thanks the medical staff at Ballad Health, including Dr. David Thompson as primary physician, the team at the Cancer Center, the Hospice care team, and all the other dedicated doctors and nurses who have cared for Lorraine. We are also forever indebted to the many personal caregivers who were so loving and devoted to Lorraine:  Andrea, Angie, Anna, Carol, Diane, Donna, Hazelle, Jaqueline, Kem, Laura, Libby, Lisa, Mary, Mickie, Pam, Rachel, Sherrilynn, Sierra, and Teresa. We are also grateful to Greg and Mike for their love and support. These wonderful individuals have become like family and are a blessing in all our lives.

J.D. and Lorraine are long time members of the State Street Methodist Church and the North Naples Methodist Church in Naples, Florida. A funeral service will be held on Monday, October 16, 2023, at 2:00 pm, State Street United Methodist Church, 650 Valley Drive, Bristol, VA 24202 with Rev. Laura Rasor and Rev. Bruce Wilmoth officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the funeral service at the clubhouse at The Virginian Golf Club.

Honorary Pallbearers will be R.L. Wallen, David Lester, Ken Farmer, Denny Farmer, Randy Rakes, Pat Rakes, Charles “Chuck” Overbey, Oakley Collins, Dr. Greg South.

In lieu of flowers the family request memorial contributions be made to the J.D. & Lorraine Nicewonder Cancer Center, 1 Medical Park Blvd., Bristol, TN 37620.

The family of Lorraine Burchett Nicewonder is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service & Crematory, Main Street location, 427 E. Main Street, Abingdon, VA 276-623-2700.