Nell Petty Vinson, age 94, of Cadiz, Kentucky, passed away on Friday, August 22, 2025, at Barkley Plantation in Cadiz.
Born on July 14, 1931, in Christian County, Kentucky, she was the daughter of George Wallace Petty and Nannie Belle Wade Petty.
Nell graduated from Sinking Fork High School in 1949 and then pursued her passion for beauty by attending the Lois Glenn School of Cosmetology in Bowling Green, Kentucky, where she graduated in 1951. On Thanksgiving Day, November 23, 1950, she married the love of her life, Thomas Carey Vinson, Jr., at the Second Baptist Church in Hopkinsville.
Nell worked as a cosmetologist and salesperson in the early 1950's, but her true dedication was to her home and family, pouring her heart into caring for her four sons and nurturing their lives. After her children were grown, she worked from 1973 to 1981 at the Lake Barkley State Resort Park Pro Shop. Later in life, she took an active role in the family's business as manager of the Dunkin' Donuts in Clarksville.
A longtime devoted member of Oak Grove Baptist Church, Nell served as a Sunday School teacher for many years and was very active in the youth programs, as well as the WMU. She was also a member of the Trigg County Historical Association from its inception, reflecting her deep appreciation for her roots and heritage.
Nell was known for her exceptional sewing, quilting, and crocheting skills, crafting clothes for her children and the many afghans, quilts, drapes, and bedspreads that adorned their home. She was also an avid reader and enjoyed gardening.
She was preceded in death by her husband of more than 72 years, Tom Vinson, on March 28, 2023; her sons, Nathan Vinson, Forest Vinson, and Stan Vinson; her parents; and her brothers, Wilton Wade Petty and John Forest Petty.
She is survived by her son, Dr. Carey T. Vinson, III, and his wife, Tracey Garland Vinson, of Pittsburgh, PA, as well as her daughters-in-law, Brenda Vinson of Cadiz and Robin Vinson of Newport News, VA; and five grandchildren: Cassandra Erenrich (John), Thomas Vinson, Robert Vinson, Forest Elizabeth Vinson (Sam Friedman), and Jesse Vinson.
Arrangements are being handled by Goodwin Funeral Home, Inc., 138 Main Street in Cadiz, where the family will receive friends after 4:00 PM on Friday, August 29, 2025. Funeral services will be at Goodwin Funeral Home at 11:00 AM, Saturday, August 30, 2025, with Bro. Nick Clark officiating. Burial will follow in Vinson Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made to Oak Grove Baptist Church, 45 Floyd Sumner Rd, Cadiz, KY 42211.
The funeral service will be live-streamed beginning at 10:55 AM, Saturday, August 30, 2025, on the Goodwin Funeral Home You Tube channel.
