Nancy Walkup

Nancy Walkup, 80 of Forest VA passed away March 11, 2024, at Lynchburg General Hospital. She was the wife of Sam Walkup for 20 years. She was born and raised in Bedford County, graduating from Boonsboro High School in 1961. After high school, she attended Phillips Business College. After college, she worked at G.E. and The Shelter Workshop. She enjoyed dancing with friends at New London Ruritan Club and the 1727 Moose Lodge on Saturday nights. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were her treasures. She loved her rocking chairs, and talking to her beloved parakeet, “pretty boy.” She was famous for her homemade biscuits and chocolate pies. Guests never left her house hungry. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Eleanor Burnette, her sister Becky Whorley, and her first husband, Buddy Russell. 

Her children survive her: Bud Russell (Karen) of Forest, and Karen Russell Sanderson of Forest; step-children Tim Walkup (Andrea), Jim Walkup, and Penny Guy (Cabell), Brother-in-law Curtis Whorley, and niece Erin McCray (Clarence).  She had five grandchildren: Trey Russell (Hannah), Lynette Russell, Kaitlin Keys (Brandon), Christian Sanderson (Andrea), Tatum Waldo (Noah), Ryleigh Harris (Kris), five step-grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. 

The family will receive friends on Thursday, March 14, 2024 at 12 noon at Bethany Methodist Church in Forest. A celebration of life will begin immediately after at 1p.m. with burial to follow at Virginia Memorial Park. The family wishes to send sincere gratitude to Nancy’s talented caregivers and friends: Gwen Banks, Angie Zollman, Charmaine Little, Vicky Booth, and Stephanie Lott and kids. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to: Bethany Methodist Church: P.O. Box 12 Forest, VA 24551.