Nelda Annette Parker Peden, 83, of Battery Park, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 9, 2022, at her residence.

She was the daughter of the late Albert Staley Parker and Cleo Mae Powell. She is survived by her husband of 65 years, James William Peden Sr.; daughters, Alva Belinda Mason (Donnie) and Lori Annette Davis (Mark); son, James William Peden Jr. (Pam); grandchildren, Brent, Brittany, Katie, Don, Courtney and Blake; great-grandchildren, Chloe, Olivia, Autumn, Caiden, Aynsley, Riley, Adrian, Caylee and Conner; sister, Paige Tomlin; and a brother, Patrick Parker (Margie). She was also preceded in death by her siblings, George Parker, Deana Parker, Shirley Bryant and Carolyn Vick.

Annette loved her family. She was always cooking and sharing with others, not only food, but what was on her mind. She was a graduate of Smithfield High School, class of 1957. Annette was also the Rescue Marina “Queen Cook” and was known for her softshell crab sandwich.  Annette was an active member of the Battery Park Baptist Church and never missed an opportunity to help her family and community. Annette had a picture of every relative and grandbaby of the Peden family. Annette will be missed by her beloved family, not only for her eccentric personality and humor, but also for her country cooking, homemade pickles and unconditional love.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 13, 2022, at Littles Funeral Home, Smithfield, with burial to follow in Battery Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Battery Park Baptist Church, PO Box 58, Battery Park, VA 23304. Online condolences may be registered at www.littlesfuneralhome.com.