Nellie Beale Godfrey Bateman, 97, was called to be with the Lord on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2015. A devoted wife, mother, sister, and grandmother, she was a member of Smithfield Baptist Church. She devoted 40 years of her life to teaching elementary school in Suffolk and Isle of Wight County. Her passions included playing bridge, traveling, reading and crossword puzzles.

A native of Holland, Nellie was the daughter of the late Oscar Lee Beale and Mamie Butler Beale. Also preceding her in death was her husband, Elmer John Godfrey Jr.; and later husband, Robert Bateman; two brothers, James Howard Beale and Marshall Aubrey Beale. 

Nellie is survived by her two sons, Elmer John Godfrey III and wife, Debbie, and Robert Beale Godfrey; two step daughters, Delilah Bateman Horsfield and Evelyn Bateman Ransdell; sister, Gladys Beale Rose; two grandchildren, Shannon Godfrey Ferguson and Elmer John Godfrey IV; three great-grandchildren, Melody Ferguson Fernaays, Hunter Coulbourn Ferguson, and Dilara Anne Godfrey; and a great-great granddaughter, Nellie Lucille Fernaays.

The family suggests memorial donations be made to American Cancer Society, Isle of Wight Relay for Life, c/o Mrs. Pam Jordan, 18214 Farmview Lane, Windsor, VA  23487.

Family and friends will gather for a visitation Saturday, Nov. 21, 5-7 p.m. at Colonial Funeral Home. A service celebrating Nellie’s life will be held, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2 p.m., in Colonial Funeral Home, with the Rev. Robert F. Cofield officiating. Burial will follow in St. Luke’s Cemetery.
Service arrangements are in the care of Colonial Funeral Home, Carrollton, Smithfield, Isle of Wight and the surrounding communities. Family and friends are encouraged to share condolences and remembrances at colonialfuneralhomesmithfield.com.