Addie Mariah Kello Nunn passed away in Galax, Virginia, on June 9, 2023.

Mariah was born on September 19, 1935, to Edith Lee Johnson and James Richard Kello, Jr., on her family's farm, Rose Hill, in Southampton County, Virginia. While a student at Radford College, she met John Joseph Nunn of Galax, whom she would go on to have a long, happy marriage that lasted more than 60 years, until John's death in 2017.

Mariah, who was known for her generosity and authentic kindness, lived a joyful life. She was known as an elegant hostess, whose welcoming home became the location of many book and garden club meetings, dinner parties, bridal showers, and other celebrations—as well as a grounding hub to generations of adoring family and friends scattered around the globe.In addition to raising her family, Mariah dedicated her time and talents to her community and to the First United Methodist Church, where she served on many committees. She was a founding member of the Galax Theatre Guild and a passionate Girl Scout volunteer, who won the Virginia Governor's Volunteerism & Community Service Award.

Mariah's curiosity about the world around her made her an ideal Girl Scout leader, whose former scouts fondly recall her adventurousness, quick wit, and bravery. In addition to leading hikes, lighting campfires, and killing the occasional snake, Mariah was an educator dedicated to instilling her Girl Scouts with a sense of independence, leadership, camaraderie, and service to the community. She also served the Virginia Skyline Girl Scout Council as Secretary from 1984 to 1988 and as Vice President from 1988 to 1992.

Mariah and John happily travelled the world together—frequently accompanied by family and friends, and often developing lifelong friendships with people they met along the way.

A dedicated member and officer of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Mariah loved genealogy and American history. She was also an avid college football and basketball fan, whose loyalties were torn between the University of Virginia and Virginia Tech teams.

Mariah took the greatest joy in the lives of her children and grandchildren. She is survived by daughters Judith Antionette Nunn and Susan Lee Nunn Olson (Tom); grandchildren U.S. Army Officer Captain Michael John, Katharine Antoinette, and Matthew Thomas Olson, and Mariah Antoinette and Adeline Lee Gaudet; and many loving nieces, nephews, and friends. In addition to her husband, Mariah was preceded in death by daughter Katharine Mariah Nunn, sister Glynn Kello Parker, and brothers Richard and Francis Kello.

The memorial service will be held Saturday June 17, 2023 at 2:00 PM at the First Methodist Church with Rev. Richard Gregory and Rev. Mark McFadden officiating.  Inurnment will be held in Felts Memorial Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 1:00  PM until service time at the church.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to: The Arts Council of the Twin Counties, PO Box 492, Galax, Virginia 24333; Girl Scouts of Virginia Skyline, 3663 Peters Creek Rd., Roanoke Virginia 24019;  First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 445, Galax, Virginia 24333

Vaughan-Guynn Funeral Home is serving the Nunn family.