Etta Nicewonder

1938 - 2024

Etta Nicewonder

September 9, 1938 - June 23, 2024

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Etta Nicewonder, who left us peacefully surrounded by her family on June 23, 2024, at the young age of 85 in Naples, Florida.

Born on September 9th, 1938, Etta was a cherished daughter, sister, wife, mother, nana, and dear friend to many. She was known for her kindness, warmth, and unwavering dedication to her family. Her love for life and her endearing smile brought joy to everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

Etta lived a life full of love, laughter, and compassion. Her infectious spirit had the remarkable ability to make everyone feel special and valued, and her home was always a place of comfort and hospitality. She had a passion for tennis, golf and singing, all of which she pursued with great enthusiasm and skill.

She was preceded in death by her parents Vesta Mullins and Henry Mullins; sister, Buena Large and brother Cecil Mullins, along with her sweetheart and husband of 65 years, Don Nicewonder.

She is survived by her two sons, Kenny Nicewonder of Bristol, Virginia and Kevin Nicewonder and his wife Kim Grace Nicewonder of Abingdon, Virginia; one daughter Kim Nicewonder of Bristol, Virginia; her seven grandchildren, Reid Nicewonder of Naples, Florida, Paulena Johnson of the Netherlands, Ross Nicewonder and his wife Olivia of Atlanta, Georgia, Nick Nicewonder of Brooklyn, New York, Carly Nicewonder of Bristol, Virginia, Lexi Johnson of Nashville, Tennessee and Steven Johnson of Bristol, Virginia; brother Greg Mullins of Abingdon, Virginia; daughter-in-law Diane Nicewonder of Naples, Florida and many friends and extended family members.

Etta was very active in the community where she proudly served on the board of the Paramount in Bristol for many years. She believed in supporting and bettering local institutions such as King University, UVA at Wise and Emory and Henry College, Virginia Tech, Sullins Academy, Morrison School and also the United Way. Etta's strong faith led her to one of her favorite places in Bristol, Highlands Fellowship, where she remained a strong and loyal supporter for many years.

She and her husband, Don, founded the prestigious Virginian Golf Club in 1993 and then in 2022 they built The Inn at Nicewonder Farm and Vineyards. Etta absolutely loved knowing that friends and others alike were able to enjoy and take part in activities at both venues and she was well known for taking part herself, lighting up any room she entered with her irresistible energy and zest for life.

A funeral service to celebrate Etta's life will be held on June 29, 2 p.m. at Highlands Fellowship in Abingdon, and then a Celebration of Life at The Virginian Golf Club.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Niswonger Children's Hospital, https://www.balladhealth.org/niswonger-childrens/donate-online or 1019 West Oakland Ave., Suite 2 Johnson City, TN 37604 or the Paramount Theater, https://paramountbristol.org/ or 518 State St., Bristol, TN 37620 in honor of her love for children and her entertaining spirit.

Etta will be deeply missed but forever remembered for her love, strength, and the beautiful legacy she leaves behind.

May she rest in eternal peace.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at akardfuneralhome.com

Akard Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Nicewonder family.