Dorothy Ann Newcomb Napier

Dorothy Ann Newcomb Napier, 87, of Saxe, Virginia passed away on May 18, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on November 8, 1938, to late Robert H. Newcomb and Nellie Lee Duffer Newcomb. Dorothy was preceded in death by her beloved husband of over fifty-nine years, Robert Albert Napier; her mother, Nellie Newcomb; her father, Robert Newcomb; and her daughter, Janet Napier.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Debbie Ayers (Ricky) of Saxe, Bobby Napier (Melinda) of Drakes Branch, Tina Murray (David) of Saxe, and Michael Napier (Terra) of Randolph; thirteen grandchildren; twenty-two great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren; a brother, Larry Newcomb (Peggy); and a multitude of family & friends.

Our beloved Big Nana was the heart and soul of our family—the matriarch who held us all together with unwavering love, strength, and grace. A devoted Christian and faithful member of Drakes Branch Baptist Church, she lived her life as a reflection of her deep faith in God. Alongside her beloved husband, she shared more than fifty-nine wonderful years of marriage before his passing. Together, they dedicated over thirty years to mission work in Honduras, serving others and spreading God’s love wherever they went. She was blessed with a beautiful family and leaves behind a legacy of love that includes four children, thirteen grandchildren, twenty-two great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. Each of us carries a piece of her kindness, wisdom, and unconditional love. Big Nana was the glue that kept our family close. Her home was a place of comfort, her hugs were healing, and her love was the steady foundation that held generations together. While our hearts are heavy with loss, we find peace in knowing she has been reunited with the love of her life. After years apart, she is once again by his side, and both are resting in the eternal peace they so faithfully believed in. Her legacy lives on through the family she cherished, the faith she embodied, and the countless lives she touched through her love and service. Rest peacefully, Big Nana. Thank you for being the foundation of our family and for showing us what a life of faith, love, and devotion truly looks like. You will be missed beyond words and loved always. ❤️

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, May 21, 2026, at Drakes Branch Baptist Church, Drakes Branch, VA. With interment to follow in Hebron Church Cemetery, Saxe, VA. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the funeral service. And all other times family & friends are welcome at Tina & David Murray's home, 6322 Hamilton Road, Saxe, VA 23967. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Honduran Missions (Drakes Branch Baptist Church) or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105. The Browning-Duffer Funeral Home in Keysville, VA is in charge of arrangements.