Gaynell Watson Ely Writtenberry, 94, died Wednesday, January 20, 2021. Born in Hampton when it was still known as Elizabeth City County, she loved her hometown and everything related to it. A Crabber for life, she graduated from Hampton High School and, while other girls her age were getting married and starting families, she embarked on her educational and career path, earning her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Social Work from Old Dominion University. She went to work for Hampton Social Services and retired after 40 years of service in the Eligibility Review Department. She dedicated her life to helping others.

Nell loved unconditionally, she always took great care of her family and was an outstanding mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. An accomplished concert pianist, she taught piano lessons and, as a vocalist, she performed with the Virginia Chorale Society. She was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church, she knew her bible backwards and forwards and had served as Chairman of Circle #4. She was also President of the Southampton Birthday Club which met at Vancostas' the 2 ^nd Wednesday of every month complete with guitarist and violinists from the York River Symphony.  In her younger years, Nell always attended the USO dances and was crowned the 1944 Valentine Queen at Langley Air Force Base. There is a plaque in downtown Hampton with her dancing image emblazoned on it placed there in remembrance of the USO dances.

Always prepared for any holiday, Nell dressed complete with jewelry for Valentines Day, St. Patrick's Day, 4 ^th of July and any other occasion for celebration. She adored Christmas and was always prepared well ahead of time with her gifts and her decorations.

Preceded in death by her parents, Captain Harry Ely and Ruth Ely; survivors include her daughter, Ruth Kourtiche; three granddaughters, Jenny Crissman, Sarah Kourtiche and Hannah Kourtiche; nine great-grandchildren, Alexis, Marquis, Marcel, Azyah, Riley, Miyah, Julian, Isaiah, and Zaliyah; a great-great-grandson, Zay; and many other loved ones.

The family will receive friends from 1-2:30 Sunday, January 24, 2021 at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home. A graveside service will be conducted at 3:00 PM Sunday at Clark Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Riverside Hospice, 856 J. Clyde Morris Blvd., Newport News, VA 23606.