Mary V. Nelson's Obituary
Mary V. Nelson passed away July 3rd, 2024, 2 months shy of her 100th birthday.
Mary was born September 19, 1924, in Lone Holly, Arkansas, to Charlie and Lucille (Morris) Braden. She married E. Clifford Nelson on April 9th, 1944, in Peoria, Illinois. In 1945, not long after their first anniversary, both of E. Clifford’s parents passed away, Mary and Cliff gained custody of Cliff’s four youngest siblings, Charles, Leroy, Junior, and Shirley. In addition, he had a beloved sister Rosemary, who was of age. She retired after a long career as a cosmetologist at JCPenney.
In 1946 the family moved to Decatur, with the siblings and their oldest son, Clifford E. Nelson, to be close to Mary’s family. Mary also helped her son, Clifford Earl, raise her granddaughter Dedi until she was five. Mary was very proud of her family. They meant everything to her. She lived a full life filled with love due to her own siblings: Berniece, Esther, Chuck, Earl Dean, Freda, and all the children she raised. Each and every one of them was special to her.
Mary was blessed with three sons, Clifford Earl Nelson, William O Nelson (Michele), and Rick Alan Nelson (Jenise). They in turn provided her with her grandchildren: Clifford’s children are Dedi Nelson and Chad Nelson. William’s children are Trevor M. Nelson and Leia A. Nelson. Rick’s children are Derrick Brown and Blake Nelson.
In addition, Mary had great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Her great-grandchildren are Cody (Celeste) Goss, Morgan (Hoyt) Wages, children of Dedi Nelson, Rhiannon Nelson, daughter to Chad Nelson.
Her great-great-grandchildren are Makenzie, Rylan, Dallis, and Axton, children of Morgan. Rosario, son of Rhiannon.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband, E. Clifford Nelson, her infant daughter Karen, her oldest son Clifford Earl, her sisters, a brother, all of the Nelson siblings she helped raise.
Mary is survived by her sons: William (Michele) and Rick (Jenise), her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, brother Earl Dean Braden, and special niece, Cindy Doty.
Graceland Fairlawn Funeral Home is providing cremation services for Mary. A memorial service will be held at 11am on Tuesday, July 9, at Antioch Christian Church (5409 E. Rte. 36, Decatur, IL). Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial in Graceland Cemetery will follow the service.
Special thanks to Belinda Young. Memorials may be directed to the Shriners. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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