Nell C. Oxendine

"Nell C. Oxendine, born in Rawl, WV, passed away on 27 August 2024 in Alexandria, VA. Nell, affectionately known as “Mamaw” by her family, is survived by Blaine and Oscar Reyes and her grandson, Eric.

A world traveler who has visited all 50 of the United States and 31 countries, and moved her household 34 times, Mamaw, loved the intricate plots of Agatha Christie’s mysteries and the clever deductions of Hercule Poirot. She also loved the beach, interior decorating, and Indonesian Shower trees. She had a talent for creating thought-provoking, playful, and profound statements. Some of her favorite quotes were:

"Sometimes I believe six impossible things before breakfast.", "A ship in harbor is safe, but that's not what ships are for.", “Life is a party. Dress like it.”, “There’s a shade of red for every woman.”, “Elegance is the only beauty that never fades.”, and one of her all-time favorites, “Life is a beach.”

To further show her adventurous nature, she had mentioned that her ideal way to pass would be by “drag racing” on Crystal Drive at 4:00 am.

Her ashes will be scatted off of the Hawaiian island of O’ahu near Hanauma Bay where she snorkeled almost daily while living there, North Carolina, where she defied the elements by walking the beach even amidst the fury of tropical storms and hurricanes, and in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Italy, one of her favorite places to enjoy a cappuccino and people watch.

In her honor, there will be a private Celebration of Life, a cocktail party, which will be held at her favorite local restaurant, Clyde’s.

In place of flowers or donations, please plant trees, travel, start on your bucket list NOW, and drink a cappuccino or a top-shelf margarita in her honor.

Whenever she is missed, visit her at the beach!"