Patricia W. (Lilly) Nelson

Patricia W. (Lilly) Nelson, precious mother, grandmother and great grandmother departed our presence to be with her Lord and Savior on 7/26/25 at Boone Memorial after an acute illness compounded by her advanced age.

Patsy was born on 3/16/1934 as an only child to the late Harvey and Sybil Walker. She was born and raised in Madison and was a 1952 Scott Highschool graduate. She followed with a degree in dental hygiene from West Liberty in 1954. Patsy was a pioneer and one of the very first licensed dental hygienist in the state of West Virginia and was the very first in Boone County. She loved her profession and was very dedicated to her employers and her patients.

As a young mother she was dedicated to raising her children to be prepared for life and she was always involved in their activities. She served as a Cub Scout den mother and was the president and secretary of the county PTA. As a dental hygienist she voluntarily visited schools every year and taught many first graders how to properly brush and take care of their teeth. She had a lifelong involvement in community politics and elections and was very effective in helping her endorsed candidates to win their offices.

Patsy's most important and treasured activity was being a faithful servant to God. She spent an entire life serving her church in various ways. Early in life she raised her children and served on many boards and committees at Madison Baptist Church. Later in life she became a valued faithful member just the same at Olive Branch Missionary Baptist Church where she taught Sunday school up until after her 90th birthday. Her most passionate involvement over the years was to support missionary work both local and abroad.

In her spare time, she loved being outside enjoying God's creation working with her flowers and the lawn. She also loved very much being with her extended and ever-expanding family, especially during holidays.

Patsy was preceded in death by husband Don Nelson, Jr. and grandson Matthew (Kellie). She is survived by her children Steve and his children Christopher (Samantha) and Ethan; Mark (Janey), and their daughter Monica (Wes) Page; Jon (Kathy) and their children Kellie (Matthew’s widow), Zach (Heather), Cam (Jonae) and Isaac (Alicen); and 9 great grandchildren Tristan, Colin, Logan, Rowan, Clara, Finnegan, Bennett, Ezekiel and Eliza.

The family would like to thank the providers and staff of Dunbar medical associates for their years of service to mom. Extra special thanks for after-hours help from Dr. John Lilly, Teresa (Buffy), Julie and Nancee. Also special thanks to the staff at Meadowbrooke Assisted Living facility for their wonderful personal care, and to Dr. Mullett and his team of providers as well as the nurses and staff at Boone Memorial Hospital.

Patsy was a loving and impactful figure in her community her entire life and we were blessed with her presence for over 91 years. She was loved by many and will be greatly missed. The celebration of her life will be at Handley Funeral Home in Danville, WV on Sunday 8/3/25 at 2:00 PM services to follow at 3:00 PM officiated by Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Johnson. In leu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to:

Olive Branch Missionary Baptist Church

Turtle Creek, WV 25203.