On Saturday, July 11, 2015, our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sibling and friend passed away peacefully at home. Agnes Nelms, or “Aggie” to those closest, was a born and bred Southern lady. She began life in

Smithfield, one of 14 brothers and sisters born to loving parents. After marrying her true love, Ray Hilton Nelms, the couple proudly called Suffolk home for nearly 70 years. There they raised their daughter and later opened their home to two granddaughters. Agnes was a precise bookkeeper, working many years at Suffolk Tire Co., as well as a lifelong member of First Baptist Church, a talented painter, an active community volunteer, and a critical member of the Kenny Rogers fan club. Most importantly, she was devoted to her entire family. Agnes is survived by her husband, Ray, of Suffolk; daughter, Deborah Luisi, of Suffolk; sister, Myrtle Costner, of Gastonia, N.C.; brother, Dr. Robert Barlowe, of Irvington; granddaughters, Rosalia Luisi (Stephen Wardle) and Jenna Luisi (Jamie Wirth), both of Raleigh, N.C.; and many extended family members.

A funeral service will be held Friday, July 17, 2015, at 2 p.m. at Parr Funeral Home and Crematory with the Rev. Charles Thompson officiating. Burial will follow at Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery. Friends may join the family for a visitation Thursday evening from 7 to 8 p.m. at Parr Funeral Home & Crematory. Condolences may be registered online at www.parrfuneralhome.com.