Cornwell, Mary Nipper

Mary Ellen Nipper Cornwell, 65 of Narrows, passed away Saturday, July 30, 2016, surrounded by her loving family.She was born in Raleigh, North Carolina, June 11, 1951, and was the daughter of the late Joseph Junior (John Henry) Nipper and Dorothy Chappell Nipper. In addition to her mother and father, she was preceded in death by two brothers, John Paul Nipper and Joe Russell Nipper.

Mary lived a full and wonderful life. She was a devoted elementary school teacher for nearly 30 years in the Giles County Public School system, and an active member of the Alpha Delta Kappa teachers’ sorority. Mary also enjoyed spending time with her fellow retired teachers, even forming a special “lunch bunch.” Every student whom she taught had a very special place in her heart. She also served on the board of the Giles County Historical Society. She loved to travel with her loving husband of 44 years, Jim, whose legal career she supported.

Left to cherish her wonderful memory and spirit are her husband, James E. Cornwell Jr. of Narrows; her son, James E. Cornwell III and wife, Lori, of Narrows; her daughter, Amanda Hahnlen and husband, Patrick, of Pearisburg; her three greatest blessings, the grandchildren who called her “Nana,” Patrick Mitchell, Savannah (Addie) Hahnlen, and Carter Cornwell; a brother, James W. Nipper and wife, Belinda, of Garner, North Carolina; a sister-in-law, Judy Nipper of Garner, North Carolina; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends.

The family will receive friends at Riffe’s Funeral Service in Narrows 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, August 2, 2016. A celebration of life service will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday, August 3r, in the Chapel of Riffe’s Funeral Service. A graveside service will follow 2 p.m. Friday, August 5, at the White Marsh United Methodist Church Cemetery in Lancaster, Virginia.The family is being served by Riffe’s Funeral Service in Narrows, (540) 726-2442, and online at riffefuneralservice.com.