Geneabeth Nelson, a resident of Bayou La Batre, AL, passed away peacefully on January 28th, 2026. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 56 years Billy Nelson, her father Emmett Chiles, her mother Katherine Chiles, her father-in-law Andy Jackson and mother-in-law Jean Jackson. She is survived by her son Douglas (Beth) Nelson, her daughter Della (David) Akridge, her grandchildren Casey (Kolby) Watts, Drew Nelson, Braxton (Taylor) Akridge, Ashleigh Nelson, her great grandchildren, Cason Watts, Cam Watts, Zane Akridge, Kellan Watts, her brother and sister in-laws, nieces, nephews, and countless family and friends.
Geneabeth was born in Palacios, Texas, on March 9th, 1947, and was an only child. She met and married the love of her life at the tender age of fifteen. Geneabeth and Billy were a couple who encapsulated what true love means. It wasn’t rare to hear Elvis Presley songs playing and to see them dancing in their living room. But her favorite song was the one Billy chose just for her, You Are My Special Angel. She enjoyed being in the kitchen and cooking with Billy, especially during the holidays and was the gentle kindness and radiant smile that warmed the room. They loved watching old westerns and simply being together, and Geneabeth’s favorite thing to do was ride around Coden beach every afternoon right before sunset, and Billy forever obliged. She was the sun in his horizon.
Geneabeth worked at Deep Sea Foods from 1979—2002. She worked at Walmart as a greeter from 2002—2012, when she retired.
Anyone who knew Geneabeth defined her by two words. Sweet and kind. And those two things she was indeed. She loved the Lord and was a shining example of His love, kindness, and generosity. She never had a harsh word and lived a life of graciousness that was infectious. In her final years on this Earth when her illness took so much from her body, she carried that burden on her shoulders like a pair of wings and now she’s heard those wonderful words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
Visitation for the family will be at 9:30 AM on Saturday, January 31st, at First Baptist Church in Bayou La Batre, 13500 Wintzell Ave. Visitation for friends will begin at 10:00 AM and the service will begin at noon. She will be laid to rest in Oddfellows cemetery immediately following the service. Pastor for the service is David Akridge, and Bro. Garry Harred. The music will be performed by David Akridge and Tommy Akridge, and the piano will be played by Betsy Ross. Her pallbearers are Braxton Akridge, Kolby Watts, Joe Ward, Cody Jackson, Aaron Weston, and Austin Jackson.
