Nellie "Meemaw" Toomes

Nellie “Meemaw” Rayle Toomes, 96, of Randleman, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Monday, August 10, 2026. She was born on November 27, 1929, in Guilford County to Alonzo Rayle and Phoebe Farrington Rayle. 

Meemaw lived a life that was full of love, faith, laughter, service, and joy. To know her was to love her. If you ever met her, whether she knew you or not, you knew you were loved and prayed for. She had a special way of making everyone feel important because every conversation ended with “I love you”. She was always thinking of others, always looking for someone to encourage, help, or serve, and she gave of herself freely and generously. Meemaw knew this world was not her home. She talked about going “home” to Heaven more than she talked about anything else. She looked forward to the day she would see Jesus face to face, and now, after 96 wonderful years, she finally has.

And what a homecoming it must have been.

She is finally home with Jesus, exactly where she always knew she belonged, and she is seeing Pepaw and her sweet Frank again. While our hearts ache because we will miss her more than words can express, we find comfort in knowing that the place she talked about so often is now her reality. She made it home.

Above all, Meemaw was a Godly woman who radiated joy and fiercely loved Jesus. Her faith wasn’t something she simply talked about, it was how she lived. It was evident in her kindness, generosity, grace, and love for others. She never missed church and was a charter member of Level Cross Baptist Church. Her Bible was worn from years of use, and her prayers covered her family and so many others, more than we will ever know.

Meemaw graduated from Sumner High School in 1947. She worked at Gilbarco several years before becoming a tour guide for Holiday Tours, allowing her to pursue her love of travel, a passion she continued as long as she was able. She loved experiencing new places, making memories, and enjoying life.

She was also fun and funny, and her personality brought light wherever she went. Her humor, stories, expressions, and the countless little things that made her uniquely Meemaw will be treasured by our family and all who knew her. She knew how to make people laugh, but more importantly, she knew how to make people feel loved.

She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who treasured her family deeply. Her greatest legacy will not be measured by the places she traveled or the years she lived, but by the love she gave, the prayers she prayed, the lives she touched, and the faith she passed down to those who loved her. Meemaw is survived by her son, Terry Toomes (Rhonda); daughter, Joni Knight (Jay); six granddaughters, Kristin Toomes, Lynsi Faircloth (Chris), Janay Cecil (Sam), Jodi Meeks (Jason), Kalie Wrenn (Wesley), and Hannah Pickett (David); and 12 great-grandchildren, Walker, Skylar, Colbie, Kynsli, Kyler, Presley, Nash, Brynn, Luke, Collins, Jack, and Palmer. 

Meemaw’s family would like to extend special thanks to Marie and Marie (M&M) with Hospice of Randolph County for their care and compassion, as well as Hannah Richardson, one of the best caretakers anyone could ask for when caring for a loved one. 

Meemaw’s life was a beautiful gift. To have known her was to have loved her. Her family will carry her love, laughter, faith, and joy in their hearts until the day they see her again. Until then, Meemaw, we love you. We miss you. And we are so thankful you finally made it home.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, August 16, 2026, from 1:30 PM to 2:45 PM at Level Cross Baptist Church, 10167 US HWY 220 Bus, Randleman. The funeral service will begin at 3:00 PM with Reverend Jerry Mills officiating. Burial will follow at Level Cross Baptist Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in Meemaw’s name be made to Level Cross Christian School, 10167 US HWY 220 Bus, Randleman, NC 27317.