Catherine D. Nelson, 92 years old, of Cullman, Alabama, (most recently residing at Morningside of Vestavia Hills memory care), went to be with the Lord on June 25, 2023, after a prolonged illness.
Catherine was born on June 15, 1931, in Marion, Indiana to Bill and Florence Lucky. After graduating from Marion High School, she attended Ball State University and played French horn in their marching band. Prior to finishing college, Catherine joined the United States Air Force and was stationed at Maxwell AFB, Montgomery, Alabama. In 1955, while serving at Maxwell AFB she met her husband of 58 years John Nelson, Jr. They had three children Larry, Gary, and Jerry. The family was stationed at several bases while serving in the Air Force, Greenville AFB, Mississippi, Keesler AFB, Mississippi, Incirlik AFB in Adana, Turkey, and March AFB, California.Â
After John retired, they settled in Cullman, Alabama. Catherine returned to college, attending St. Bernard College in Cullman, Alabama, where she received her bachelor’s degree in education. She then attended Alabama A&M to receive a Master’s degree in education, with emphasis on special needs children. Catherine spent some time teaching in the migrant program at West Point, Alabama but then transferred to Vinemont, Alabama where she taught first grade for more than 20 years before retiring. She spent several years’ substitute teaching, then caring for grandchildren.
Catherine was predeceased by her mother and father, sister Martha, and husband John. Catherine is survived by her sister Ruth, brother Jimmy, children Larry (Linda) of Rosamond, California, Gary (Jennifer) of Fish River, AL, and Jerry (Roxanne) of Birmingham, Al. She is also survived by seven grandchildren, Lora Forbes (John), Leslie Godwin (Joseph), Derek Nelson, Kevin Nelson (Savannah), Blake Nelson (Brittany), Kali Nelson, and Gavin Nelson. She is also survived by eight great grandchildren, Alexandria Forbes, Sydney Forbes, McKenzie Forbes, Jacob Forbes, Catrina Godwin, Danyelle Godwin, Joseph Godwin, and John Simmons Nelson.
The funeral services will be held at St. John’s Evangelical Protestant Church in Cullman, Alabama on Saturday July 1, 2023, at 1 pm. Visitation will be Saturday, 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. prior to the service. Rev. Dr. John Richter will officiate the service. Interment will be in Cullman City Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. John’s Evangelical Protestant Church, 512 2nd Ave. SE, Cullman, Alabama 35055, where Catherine and John were members for many years.
Cullman Funeral Home is honored to serve the Nelson family.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy can be posted to www.cullmanfuneralhome.com for the Nelson family.
