Obituary of Nell Virginia "Bea" Shuler Irvin

Nell Shuler Irvin April 27, 1924–September 13, 2024 Nell Virginia “Bea” Umberger Shuler Irvin, age 100, passed away peacefully at Carrington Place of Wytheville on Friday, September 13, 2024. Surviving are her dear children Ken Shuler (Pei-Ann) of Jupiter, FL; John Shuler (Debra) of Nashville, TN; Jim Shuler (Linda, deceased) of Joppa, MD; Rhonda Melton (Rob) of Dublin, VA; Dairen Irvin of Christiansburg, VA; daughter-in-law Donna Shuler of Christiansburg, VA, and her devoted niece Pam Umberger of Wytheville. “What these children didn't think of wasn't worth doing.” She was predeceased by her parents Luther Joseph (L. J.) and Pearl Williams Umberger, her husband's Dean G. Shuler and Charles W. “Bill” Irvin, her eldest son Luther Coleman Shuler, and a host of other Williams, Umberger, Shuler, and Irvin family members. “It's hard to believe I made it this far.” Sixteen grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren, members of the “Clean Plate Club,” were always reminded to “Take all you want but eat all you take.” They remain to honor her long legacy. Nell (Bea's) work experiences included stints at J. J. Newberry, Leggett's Department Store, the Norfolk and Western railroad as a telegraph operator, and Spiller Primary School cafeteria. She and her husband Bill Irvin operated the area’s Ford Gum Company franchise. Her favorite past-time was crocheting. She kept a meticulous home and was an excellent seamstress. She also made beautiful Cathedral Window pillows with the tiniest stitches imaginable, not to overlook her delicious corn bread, brown beans, and famous milk biscuits. She was a member of Mt. Pleasant United Methodist and Petunia Christian Churches. In earlier years “Bea” helped with children’s messages, greeting worshippers, weekly cleaning, and watering plants. She was instrumental in the decision to purchase an organ. Members will remember her for witty comebacks such as Minnie Pearl's “I'm just so glad to be here.” A Memorial Celebration and Interment at Rosewood Memorial Gardens, Rural Retreat, VA, will be announced at a later date. Nell, “Bea,” Grama, Granny Bea, Grandma lived a long, good life but never followed her own advice, “If you don't toot your own horn, no one will toot it for you.” Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.grubbfuneralhome.com Grubb Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.