Wendy Jane Golliher Worrell died at Summerlin Hospital in Las Vegas, Nev. Monday night, Feb. 15, 2016, with her husband Joe by her side.

She was born in Elkin on Sept. 13, 1955. She met Joseph Neal Worrell in 1996 and it was love at first sight. Their first date never ended and they were married on Feb. 1, 1997, in Las Vegas, Nev. She loved her family

Survivors: her parents, Bobby and Evelyn Golliher of Spruce Pine; her husband, Joseph “Joe” Neal Worrell; their children, Joshua Lackey of Winston-Salem,  Sally Ann Ressa (Adam Ressa) of Mocksville,  Carrie Worrell of Mocksville, and Jeremiah Worrell of Charlotte;  her brother, Jeffrey Golliher (Lynne) of Accord, N.Y.; mother-in-law, Cecile Worrell; sisters-in-law, Alice Thompson (Jimmy), and Martha Scott, all of Jefferson; and her grandchildren, Emma Grout and Patrick Ressa.   

She graduated from Elkin High School in Elkin, and attended UNCG. She spent most of her adult life in Davie County, and most recently at Kinderton Village in Bermuda Run. She had worked for many years in the mortgage banking industry. The last few years she and Joe traveled throughout the United States, working together and making friends all over the country. In the summer of 2015, Joe’s job took them to their new home in Las Vegas. When the children were young, the Worrell house was the gathering place for children as well as  adults. Everyone felt welcome in her home which she decorated for every occasion from Valentine’s to Christmas.  She was a phenomenal cook and entertained like a pro.  She gave the best hugs and had a warmth about her that made people feel special and honored to be her friend.  She was a tiny person with a giant heart and the best laugh.  She was unafraid to be her true self and valued love and people over material things.

There will be a memorial service at Episcopal Church of the Ascension of Advance in March.