Nelle Perry Bunch

Nelle Perry Bunch peacefully departed this life and went to be with the Lord on March 1, 2015. Nelle was born in Edenton, North Carolina on October 18, 1929 and was the younger daughter of Branning and Nelle White Perry. Nelle grew up in Edenton and attended public schools. It was during her idyllic childhood that she found her lifelong love of music and gardening. After graduating from high school she majored in music at Mary Washington University and later at East Carolina University. Her favorite instruments were piano and clarinet. As a young woman Nelle was chosen as Miss Edenton; Miss Wilson; and was then selected as first runner-up in the Miss North Carolina competition. Nelle loved gardening and was an active member of her garden club. She was an avid tennis player and greatly appreciated the camaraderie of her friends at the Y.M.C.A. and of her bridge group. She loved going to the movies and was a volunteer at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. Best of all Nelle loved entertaining and being with friends and family. Nelle had an active lifestyle and always enjoyed good health and high spirits until she was stricken with leukemia in the summer of 2014. Her cheerful and friendly demeanor lasted until the moment of her death. Nelle's loving and giving nature will always be remembered by her family and many friends in Virginia Beach, Edenton, and elsewhere. Nelle is survived by her devoted husband, Judge William Carey Bunch, Jr.; by her daughter, Ginna Jones Williams of Virginia Beach; and by her son, Bruce Fletcher Jones, Jr. of Edenton. She is also survived by her husband's children, William Carey Bunch, III and wife Susan of Chesapeake and Pamela Bunch Ortenzio and husband Edward of Virginia Beach. Together Nelle and her husband share seven grandchildren, Courtney, Matthew, Sarah, Stephanie, Kathryn, Kristine, and Jacob; and four great-grandchildren. Nelle will also be fondly remembered for her laughter and her humor. Over the years she frequently warned her children: "When I'm in Heaven I am going to be looking down at you so you better behave." A celebration of Nelle's life will be held Tuesday, March 10th, at 12 noon in the First Presbyterian Church of Virginia Beach, 300 36th Street, and will be officiated by The Reverend Albert G. Butzer, III. A reception will follow at The Princess Anne Country Club, 3800 Pacific Avenue, also in Virginia Beach. A simple graveside service will be held Sunday, March 15th, at 1:30 p.m. in Beaver Hill Cemetery, Edenton. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to either the First Presbyterian Church of Virginia Beach, to the Sentara Hospice House at 3760 Sentara Way, Virginia Beach, or to any chapter of the American Cancer Society. Condolences may be expressed at www.millerfhc.com.