POQUOSON - Nina Lenell Bunting Ironmonger, 95, of Poquoson, Va., passed away on Monday, Sept. 3, 2012. Born April 24, 1917, she was a lifelong resident of the town she loved.
Lenell was preceded in death by her husband of more than 54 years, Percy Ironmonger Sr.; infant son William Warren Ironmonger; granddaughter Lori Dawn Westrich; parents William E. Bunting and Nina Judkins Wilson; two brothers, Leslie Bunting and William E. "Billy" Bunting; and five sisters, Irma B. Landrum, Alma Moore, Mayme B. Trout, Annie B. Barnes, and Julia Hopkins.
She is survived by her three children, Percy Ironmonger, Jr. and wife, Rita of Yorktown, Brenda Hilliard and husband, Edwin of Sterling, Va., and Maureen Woodruff and husband, Donald of Poquoson; three grandchildren, Rick Westrich and wife, Kimberly, Conni Ironmonger-Mann and husband, Don, and Nina Edwards and James Jackson; and four great-grandchildren, Greer Edwards, Kendra Lee, Natilyn Mann, and Freddy Westrich. Lenell, Mama, Granny, and Mammy Nell – she wore many names, and from all of them, she will be deeply missed.
Lenell was ahead of her time. At a time when many women did not finish school or work outside the home, she did both as well as raise three children. She graduated from Poquoson High School Class of 1933 and was the last living member of her graduating class. She was a hard worker and enjoyed being employed at Leggett's in downtown Hampton and at Hunt's Hardware in Poquoson. In addition to her work, Lenell and Percy enjoyed traveling around the world but had the most fun in their camper traveling with friends. Moreover, she enjoyed gardening, reading, and crossword puzzles.
Lenell was an active member of Tabernacle United Methodist Church in Poquoson, as a member of the Adult Bible Class, and Sadie Hunt Circle. She was a Poquoson High School Band Parent during the 1950s and 1960s. Active in her community, she was a lifelong charter member of the Rebekah Lodge #53, and held positions of Noble Grand, Past Noble Grand, Past District Deputy President, and Secretary. She was a charter member of the Charles Parish Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She also volunteered at the voting polls during elections and delivered Meals on Wheels into her 80s.
Visitation will be from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, at Claytor Rollins Funeral Home, Poquoson, and other times the family will receive friends at her home. A Celebration of Lenell's life will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, at Tabernacle United Methodist Church by the Rev. Dr. Bill Wash, the Rev. Milford C. Rollins, and the Rev. Carol Bookwalter. Interment will be follow at Peninsula Memorial Park, Newport News.
Memorial donations may be made in Lenell's honor to Tabernacle Church, 831 Poquoson Ave., or Poquoson Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 2099, both in Poquoson, VA 23662. Online condolences to www.claytorrollins.com.
The family would like to express gratitude for the many acts of kindness and care to the nurses, caregivers, and staff during Lenell's recent stay at Golden Living Bayside and at her home over two years. Thank you for her wonderful treatment. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
.Published in Daily Press from September 5 to September 6, 2012