Velma Mae Nelson, 83, of Grinnell and formerly of Searsboro, died Oct. 31, 2016, at St. Francis Manor in Grinnell.
A memorial service was held at 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 7, at Searsboro Community Church with the Rev. Mike Johnson officiating. Burial was in the Searsboro Community Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Velma Mae Nelson Memorial Fund.
Velma was born Mar. 3, 1933, in Grundy County, MO, the daughter of Charles and Opal Sheppard Smith. She was raised and educated in Lemons, MO.
On Dec. 31, 1949, she was united in marriage with Edwin Gail Nelson in Green City, MO. The couple lived in the Grinnell area for many years prior to moving to Searsboro in 1972. She had been a resident of St. Francis Manor since 2014. She was employed as a cook for several restaurants in Grinnell and Searsboro; with the food service department at Grinnell College; and later at Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company. Most importantly, she took great pride in raising her family and taking care of her home.
Velma was a member of the Searsboro Community Church. She enjoyed vegetable gardening and canning her produce. For years, she kept active sewing, making clothing for her family, and quilting. She enjoyed her time with her family and socializing with friends.
Survivors include four children: Phyllis Brady of Searsboro, Thelma "June" (David) Trease of Kellogg, Garold (Diane) Nelson of Grinnell, and James (Pauline) Nelson of Searsboro; seven brothers and sisters: Arthur (Eva) Smith of Loveland, OH, James (Sara) Smith of Kansas City, MO, Zelda (Lomar) Coleman of Hannibal, MO, Mary Lou (Leonard) Brill of Trenton, MO, Rosa (Joe) Banner of Kirksville, MO, Lucille (Wiley) Hand of Okoboji, and Wayne (Zoe) Smith of Chillicothe, MO; 12 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband in 2011, and one son, Raymond Nelson.
