Mary McNeil Nash

Mary McNeil Musser Nash, born September 13, 1930; the 6th of 9 children to Ralph Marshall and Birdie Handley Musser in Richlands, Greenbrier County, WV, passed away September 17, 2022. She is survived by two sisters, Jean White of Renick, WV and Betty White of Sylva, NC; five children, Charles David Nash Jr., Rachel Nash Law, James Marshall Nash, William Mann Nash, John Andrew Nash; 8 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Mary and her husband, Charles David Nash, Sr. raised their children on a farm outside of Alderson, WV and later moved to Berea, KY. She worked for Berea College until her retirement as assistant dean of students and head resident of Pearson’s Hall, Berea College, where she mentored young women from around the world. She was a giving person, stalwart in her faith, loved community involvement, gardening and family gatherings.

Mary was known in Abingdon for her charity work and support of local services. She knitted hundreds of winter hats for donation to children and the homeless. She regularly baked cookies for the Abingdon Police Department, Washington County Public Library, and Abingdon Public Works. Her gardening skills provided fresh produce and flowers for neighbors and family members. Her favorite times of the year were Spring when the flowers bloomed and Fall when the trees showed their colors. Mary loved to put on her apron and be in the middle of kitchen activities. She would not remove it until everyone was fed and the kitchen was properly cleaned and ready for the next meal.

Memorial service will be at Farris Funeral Home, 427 East Main Street, Abingdon, VA, on Friday, September 23 at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to any of the following:

• ElderSpirit Community

  Elder Spirit Court

  Abingdon, VA 24210

• Town of Abingdon, VA

  Attn: Abingdon Police Department

  425 West Main Street

  Abingdon, VA 24210

• Washington County Public Library

  205 Oak Hill Street

  Abingdon, VA 24210

• Union Church

  200 Prospect Street

  Berea, KY 40403

• Frankford Presbyterian Church

  160 Market Street

  Frankford, WV 24938