Nellie Gross Toms

Nellie Virginia Gross Toms, 96, of Bedford, died Friday, October 15, 2010 in Carriage Hill Retirement Center. Born May 2, 1914 in Bedford County, a daughter of the late Charlotte Virginia Vasser Gross and Walter Marvin Gross.

Nellie was a member of Calvary Baptist Church and a retiree of the former Bedford Dress Factory.

In addition to her parents, Nellie was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Louis Wilson Toms; two brothers, Robert W. Gross and Austin J. Gross, Sr.; and five sisters, Ossie Gross Key, Gladys Gross Fulk, Lena Gross Johnson, Hettie Gross Carter and Mary Gross Toms. She is survived by three sons, Ray Louis Toms and his wife, Gladys of Bedford, Jack Marshall Toms and his wife, Theresa of Forest and Earl Wilson Toms and his wife, Cathy of Nellysford; nine grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and one great great-granddaughter.

Memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Baptist Church, 800 Smith St., Bedford, VA 24523.

Graveside services will be conducted at 2 PM, Sunday, October 17, 2010 in Greenwood Cemetery with Rev. Ray T. Lyons officiating. The family will receive friends from 3-5 PM, Saturday, October 16, 2010 at Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford, 586-3443. To send condolences, please visit www.obituaries.tharpfuneralhome.com.