Idella Nash

Idella Jennings Nash (Mammy), 94, passed away September 27,2026 at Fort Logan Hospital surrounded by all her children. Idella was born November 10, 1931 to Lewis Allen Jennings and Minnie Frances Evans Jennings (Owensboro, Kentucky). She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years Reverend Lester Lee Nash, one brother Harrell Jennings (Owensboro), her sister Betty Jo Jennings Cauley (Owensboro), daughter-in-law Marsha Grant Nash (Danville) and son-in-law Jimmy Hendricks (Danville).

She is also survived by five children; Threasha Terry Hendricks (Danville), Deanna Nash Whittamore (Jim) (Ft. Meyers, Florida), Jeffrey Lee Nash (Danville), Gina Nash Melton (Ronnie) (Danville) and Belinda Jo Nash (Punta Gorda); grandchildren Christina Canino (Long Island), Brandy Everington (West Palm Beach, Florida), Byron Whittamore (Ft. Meyers, Florida), Amy Beth Nash (Asheville, NC), Scott Whittamore (Ft. Meyers, Florida), Shana Melton Schepman (Danville), John Christian Nash (Tampa, Florida), Emily Whittamore Risner (Savannah, GA), and a brother Ray Lewis Jennings (Chesapeake Virginia).

Mammy had thirteen great-grandchildren. Idella fulfilled many roles during her long life. She was a wife for 52 years. She was a minister’s wife for 45 years. She was a bookkeeper and accountant for over fifty years. She would say that her most challenging and proud-filled role was that of Mother. She steadfastly filled the role of Mother for over seventy-six years to five uniquely challenging children. She filled the role of Grandmother (Mammy) to all her grandchildren and many friends. To her children, grandchildren, and many friends and acquaintances, she assumed the role of wise advisor and spiritual comforter. She was always willing to tell stories from her many experiences. Family was always very important to Mammy. For Mammy, family was more than biological relatives. It extended to her work family, the family of believers in Christ and anyone she perceived to be in need of encouragement. She had a unique ability to know when people were hurting or in need of encouragement, and she was always there to express a biblical truth or the wisdom she had gained over her long life. She will be greatly missed by family, friends and community.

The visitation will be from 4-6 p.m. Friday, October 2, 2026, at Stith Funeral Home, Danville, and 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Gethsemane Baptist Church. A funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Gethsemane Baptist Church. Burial will be at Bellevue Cemetery.