Elva Nelly Atherton

Elva Nelly Atherton, 82, passed away in her home on May 4, 2026, surrounded by her family and loved ones. Her passing leaves an immeasurable void in the hearts of family, friends, and all who were blessed to know and love her. Elva, affectionately known as “Nelly”, will be remembered for the joy she brought to others, a laugh that could light up any room, her deep compassion, unwavering faith, and a heart bigger than the world she graced.

Nelly is survived by her husband of 60 years, Cyril V. Atherton, Jr.; her children, Junior Atherton and wife Dawn, Maria Patterson and husband Andrew, Vielka Miller and husband Chad, and Joanna Medina and husband Armando; her brother, Jorge; her sisters, Esther and Carol; and her grandchildren Ashley, C.J., Aidan, Maya, and Sophia, along with her in-laws, nieces, and nephews who were dear to her. She is preceded in death by her mother Isabel Castro, father Jorge Antonio Pinzon, Sr., brother Javier Pinzon, sister Denise Pinzon, and grandson Armando Coral Medina, Jr.

Born in the Republic of Panama on March 3, 1944, Nelly carried deep pride in her Panamanian heritage and was equally proud to build a life in the United States as a U.S. Army wife to Cyril. Becoming a U.S. citizen in 1980 was a moment she treasured.

In her early years, Nelly attended Instituto Panamericano (IPA) high school and began working at 15 to help her mother support her younger brothers. At 18, she met Cyril in Panama, agreeing to a first date only after his “gentle” persistence. Their love grew across the miles as they wrote to one another during his deployment in Germany, and they married in 1966 when she was 21. The role she cherished most was being a mother to her four children and Nana to her grandkids.

Nelly and Cyril built a life together that took them around the world before they finally settled in Yuma. Along the way, she worked a variety of jobs and formed friendships that lasted a lifetime. Her longest and most meaningful career was with Gadsden Elementary School District, where she served her community until retirement. On April 30, 2026, they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary, a beautiful testament to their enduring love and partnership. Nelly’s presence will be forever missed, and her love continues to live on in her husband, children, grandchildren, family, and friends.