Nell Fariss

Nell Crostic Fariss, 90, passed peacefully into the loving arms of her Heavenly Father on Monday, December 30, 2019, after a brief period of declining health. She was a native of Colonial Heights, VA and had resided full-time the past several months at the home of her son and daughter-in-law in Frisco, NC on Hatteras Island.

Miss Nell was an accountant by trade and a manager in the H&R Block system for several years in Colonial Heights. She held dear her role as on-call “mom” and confidante to three generations of neighborhood children in Colonial Heights and her adopted second home of Hatteras Island. She was a dignified Virginia lady with a lyrical southside Virginia drawl. Miss Nell was a fantastic cook, especially with seafood. She had a deep appreciation for the working watermen of Hatteras Island and its heritage and culture.

Left to cherish her memory is her son, Alan F. Fariss, and daughter-in-law, Tamara Pilus of Frisco; two grandchildren, Jackson Marie Fariss and Brandi Fariss (Shawn) King; four great-grandchildren, Leah Sage Mathis, Agnes “Aggie” Nell Chrobot, Alexander Jackson Fariss and Lenore Marie King, all of Buxton, NC; a sister, Laura C. Pleasants of Prince George, VA; and a special friend, Kim Anzolut of Avon, NC. Miss Nell was predeceased by her husband of 63 years, Louis “Frank” Franklin Fariss, a handsome young son, David Franklin Fariss, a beautiful, vivacious and elegant daughter, Lola Fariss Casper; and six brothers and sisters; Clinton Scott Crostic, Samuel Crostic, Monroe Crostic, Catherine C. Lucie, William B. Crostic, and Emily C. Rhoads.

Nell was the daughter of Emmett Blinco Crostic and Emily Birdsong Crostic of Chesterfield, VA.

Nell attended Highland United Methodist Church in Colonial Heights and later Buxton United Methodist Church. She will be dearly missed by the congregation and her many friends on the island. Nell and Frank camped and surf fished soon after the creation of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore in 1953.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, January 16, 2020 at Blandford Cemetery, 319 S. Crater Road, Petersburg, Virginia 23803 with the Reverend Joe Carson officiating.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made in memory of Nell Fariss to the Cape Hatteras United Methodist Men’s emergency assistance program and food pantry, payable to CHUMM, PO Box 1591, Buxton NC 27920.