Carnessa (Nessie) Grimes Thurston was born on November 11, 1971 to Sherwood and the late Barbara Grimes in Richmond, Va.  Carnessa received her glorious wings on Saturday, April 10, 2021 at Inova Fairfax Hospital in Falls Church, VA.

She was educated in the Hanover County Public School system and graduated from Patrick Henry High School in 1989.  She worked at Eaheart Industrial Service, Inc. for four years until her health began to fail.  Carnessa was blessed with two children, Michael Tillman, and Bryanna Tillman, and two grandchildren, Amiyah Tillman and Aryn Pierce that she adored. They called her "MeMe".

In 2015 she was blessed to renew her friendship with Nathaniel McKan and they quickly became soulmates and shared many memorable moments together.

She was baptized at an early age at Providence Baptist Church, and later received salvation at Greater Nazarene Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Lorenzo Nicholson Sr.  A few years later she moved her membership and joined the Life Line for Jesus Community Church in Mechanicsville where she began to serve the Lord through various ministries.  She served faithfully as a teacher in Sunday school and Vacation Bible school; worked diligently in hospitality under the leadership of her mother; Nessie was given the vision to establish the first Children's Choir at Life-Line for Jesus Community Church.  She was also one of the first to become a mentor of "Chosen Ministries" : helping to equip young girls and young ladies with life skills.   During her illness and stay in the hospital she truly experienced the presence, power & peace of God and grew closer in her relationship & faith with the Lord. You could hear the excitement in her voice as she shared her testimony with family and friends.  Her favorite scripture from which she drew strength and held fast was Psalm 91.

Carnessa had a bright, joyful spirit and a smile that would light up any room, a generous heart, and willingness to offer a shoulder on which to lean. She brought enjoyment and inspiration to the lives of her family and friends.  Her energy and excitement would spread from one to another!

She loved music and dancing and could dance!  Anytime Go-Go came on, Nessie was sure to be dancing. Anyone who knew Nessie knew she was a social butterfly and the life of the party! Her favorite football team was the Washington Football team and she is known for her scrumptious baked chicken which she was called on to prepare for many occasions.

Nessie was devoted to her family: she loved, loved, loved her children and grandchildren, her nephews and niece were the apples of her eye.  Her love for children went beyond her immediate family. When they lived in "The Partments", (called by many) her house was the place to be. Her door was open for all the children in the neighborhood.

Carnessa leaves to cherish her memories her two children, Michael Grimes-Tillman, and Bryanna Tillman; two grandchildren, Amiyah Tillman and Aryn Pierce; father, Sherwood Grimes; two sisters, Marcella Goodall (Mervin), and Minister Shawn Goodall-Few; three nephews, Pursell Moore Sr., Markel Moore Goodall, and Keondre Anderson; one niece, Kanika Goodall; two great nephews, Pursell Moore Jr., and Clinton Whetzel; one great niece, Londyn Edwards; one aunt, Robin Mason; three great aunts, Lathania Braxton, Martha Tucker and Gloria Fields; one great uncle, Ollie Fallie (Alberta); three god children, Venetia Goodall, Devonne Smith, and Kahlil Mock; god-mother Holly Jackson-Conrad; Carolyn Tillman (like a mother); two special friends of the family, Darrell (Kent) Johnson, and Maurice Hobson; a host of cousins and other family members.

Nessie will be missed by so many and her love continues every time she is thought of!!  God made her on purpose for a purpose and she was able to fulfill that purpose and is now resting!