Nellie M. Coles, aka Nurse Coles, 95, of Farmville, passed away on Thursday, November 24, 2016. She was born on June 6, 1921 in Prince Edward County to the late Otis Lee Matthews and Cornelia Hamilton.

She was preceded in death by her late husband, Burnell Coles; three brothers, James Matthews, Samuel Matthews, and Otis Matthews Jr.; and one sister, Dorothy Matthews Baker.

She leaves to cherish her memory a loving and devoted sister, Nannie “Celeste” Hendricks (Willis); three brothers, Rome Matthews (Annette), Alexander Matthews (Peggy), and Leroy Matthews; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, grandnieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

Nellie received her high school diploma from the Prince Edward County Public School system. She received her degree in Nursing from Hampton University, Hampton. Nellie continues to be fondly known as “Nurse Coles” throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. In 1983, Nurse Coles retired after 38 years of dedicated service, as the first African American public health nurse, with the Virginia Department of Health.

Nellie was a quiet woman with strong convictions.  She willingly and unselfishly gave of her time and resources to projects and activities which she believed were good for her community and the people of south-central Virginia and throughout the Commonwealth. She was recognized for her broad and deep record of community, civic and public service, including service as an active board member of the Prince Edward Unit of the American Cancer Society, Meals on Wheels, Senior Citizens of Prince Edward, the Farmville Area Community Emergency Services, and Southside Community Hospital Auxiliary. She also was an active supporter of the many ministries of First Baptist Church for over 50 years, including service as treasurer, Deaconess, missionary worker and church leader.

In 1943, Nellie was united in marriage to Burnell C. Coles. They are best remembered by many as the owner and operator of The Coles Store on South Main Street in Farmville for 43 years. They also engaged in various farming endeavors. Burnell Coles departed this life peacefully in 1993.

In her personal life she displayed a sense of humility, of devotion to serving others, of kindness, of good humor, and of respect for all and has never sought to receive appropriate recognition for her outstanding record of public service to the Commonwealth or credit for her personal affiliation with numerous families and individuals in need.

Viewing for visitors will be held on Tuesday, November 29 from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. in the Chapel at Bland-Reid Funeral Home, 413 Griffin Boulevard, Farmville, VA 23901.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, November 30 at noon at First Baptist Church, 100 S. Main Street, Farmville, VA 23901.

Bland-Reid Funeral Home, Farmville, is serving the family.