Nell Daley Drinkard

Nell Daley Drinkard, 82, of Appomattox, VA, passed away peacefully on August 28, 2026, at Lynchburg General Hospital, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on May 29, 1944, in Terre Haute, IN, she was the daughter of the late Alfred and Olivene Daley and the late Madeline Huckaba. Nell was the devoted wife of Tommy S. Drinkard, with whom she shared 60 beautiful years of marriage. Her entire life was a testament of dedication to her husband, children, grandchildren, extended family, and her faith.

Before opening her own business, Nell prioritized finding work that allowed her the flexibility to fully support her boys. She worked as a babysitter for many neighborhood families, occasionally caring for as many as seven children at a time. The deep bonds formed during those years became lifelong relationships that lasted until the day she died. Compassionate across all generations, Nell also worked with the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (formerly the Commission on Aging) to provide nutritious meals and essential social outlets for local senior citizens.

An industrious woman, Nell later ran the T&N Market in Oakville for many years. Following her calling to care for others, she went back to school to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and spent 9 rewarding years working with Centra Hospice before her retirement, providing comfort to families when they needed it most.

Nell was a lifetime member of Trinity Methodist Church, where she served as a Sunday school teacher for young children. Her impact was lasting; former students frequently reached out to her long after they had grown. Nell also shared her gifts by singing in the choir, participating actively in the women's group, and playing a vital role in the church's Family Life Center kitchen project.

Nell never met a stranger and was always the first to help a friend in need, no matter the circumstance, giving generously of her time and resources. She instilled these same profound values in her boys, teaching them the importance of commitment, loyalty, integrity, and honesty.

Outside of her work and ministry, her hobbies included making floral arrangements, scrapbooking, and reading. However, her true passion was simply being there for her family. She was their fiercest supporter, never missing an opportunity to attend school events for her children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Nell loved traveling with her grandson, Heath, to his horse races, and she always looked forward to volleyball season. Whether Mark and Heath were coaching or playing, Nell rarely missed a home game and frequently traveled to cheer them on at away games.

In addition to her husband, Tommy, she is survived by her sons, Scott Drinkard of San Francisco, CA, and Jeff Drinkard and wife, Rebecca of Appomattox, VA; four grandchildren, Heath, Braden, Emma, and Katie, all of Appomattox, VA; one great granddaughter, Leigha of Appomattox, VA; one sister, Janie Renschler of Terre Haute, IN; sisters-in-law, Debbie Daley of Terre Haute, IN, and Marietta Irby of Appomattox, VA; brothers-in-law, Bob Monigold of Fayetteville, NC, and E.B. Drinkard and wife, Loretta of Madison Heights, VA; special friends, Linda Phelps and Norma Ray Moore, both of Appomattox, VA; and numerous beloved aunts, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Nell was preceded in death by her son, Mark Drinkard of Appomattox, VA; siblings, Margaret Monigold of Fayetteville, NC, and Michael Daley of Terre Haute, IN; sister-in-law, Gail Slade and her husband, Pete of Lynchburg, VA; brother-in-law, Wayne Irby of Appomattox, VA; and her nephew, Scott Dowen, of Terre Haute, IN

A funeral service will be held 2pm, Monday, August 31, 2026, at Trinity Methodist Church with Pastor Wyatt Cudd and Rev. David Drinkard officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 4-6pm, Sunday, August 30, 2026, at Robinson Funeral Home and other times at the residence.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society c/o Sharon Mobley, PO Box 1084, Appomattox, VA 24522 or any charity of your choice.

Robinson Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family, www.robinsonfuneral.com.