Mary Ellen "Nella" Walthall Brooks, 81, of Richmond, departed this life to meet her Lord on April 26, 2011 after a long illness. This loving wife and mother is survived by her devoted husband of 57 years, Russell James Brooks Jr., who was by her side daily throughout her illness; a son, Russell James Brooks III and his wife, Beth Gentry Brooks; a daughter, Donna Ellen Brooks Fetrow and her husband, Stephen Kendrick Fetrow; and granddog, Sadie, all of Richmond; a brother, Dr. William Warren Walthall Jr. and his wife, Virginia, and family of Boston, Mass.; three sisters-in-law, Phyllis and her husband, Earl Childrey, and Frances and her husband, Bill Perdue, Nora Brooks and their families; and eight cousins. She was preceded in passing by her father, William Warren Walthall Sr.; mother, Alice Douglas Ramos Walthall; and brother, James Barrett Walthall. God created her beautifully and blessed her with a voice to match, which she shared with the Richmond Chorale Society, her church choir, and at weddings. She was a fifth generation member of First Baptist Church, attended RPI, volunteered at St. Mary's Hospital, and after raising her children worked for the Industrial Commission. Her husband, family, and faith were her avocations. Her passions and interests included playing the piano, ballroom dancing with the Candlelight Club, and a love for gardening. The family will receive family and friends on Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Parham Chapel, Woody Funeral Home, 1771 N. Parham Road. A funeral service will be held in the First Baptist Church Chapel on Monday, May 2, at 2 p.m. Interment to follow at Westhampton Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church, 2709 Monument Ave., Richmond, Va. 23220 or Our Lady of Hope Health Center, 13700 North Gayton Rd., Richmond, Va. 23233. The family wishes to express their profound appreciation to the loving and caring staff at Our Lady of Hope.
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