Saltville, Virginia

Carol Jean “Nana” Sword Nutter, 71, passed away on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at Bristol Regional Medical Center, Bristol, TN, surrounded by her family. She was of Baptist faith.

Carol was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She had a heart of gold, which she shared with many. She loved her community and served it dearly by giving countless hours and contributions. Carol was a retired employee with the Smyth County School System, with 30 years at Northwood Middle School. She served 30 years as President of Saltville Little League, which she took pride in serving, and loved all the children that went through the program and many other organizations. She will be missed by all.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Oakie Sword; and nephew, Joshua Sword.

Carol is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, Kenneth Rusty “Pappy” Nutter; two sons, Tim (Windi) Nutter of Saltville, VA, and Ryan Nutter of Bristol, TN; siblings, Kyle (Lesa) Sword, Ricky (Stacy) Sword, Kay (Jody) Frye, and Cindy Sword, all of Saltville, VA; brother-in-law, Joe Nutter; grandchildren who were the loves of her life, Joshua Nutter of Florida, Jackson Nutter and Bailee Nutter, both of Saltville, VA, and Madelon Nutter and Will Nutter of Bristol, TN; several nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews; dearest friends, Teresa Crawford, Wayne Venable, Sue Taylor, and Mendy Johnson.

Graveside Services will be held Friday, July 3, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Mount Rose Cemetery Mausoleum, 10069 Crescent Rd, Glade Spring, VA 24340, with Pastor Barry Loupe officiating. Family and pallbearers are asked to be at the funeral home by 10:30 a.m. for the procession. Friends are asked to meet at the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saltville Volunteer Fire Department, 312 Palmer Ave, Saltville, VA 24370.

Serving as pallbearers will be Jody Frye, Kodi Pickle, Chris Wyatt, Brandon Gates, Ben Chapman, Billy Wyatt, Mark “Moonpie” Roberts, Curtis Crawford, and Jerry Rhea, with Gerald “Rooster” Arnold serving as honorary pallbearer.

Online condolences may be expressed at drhendersonfuneralhome.com. D.R. Henderson Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Carol Jean “Nana” Sword Nutter.