Alice Johnson Nelson

Alice Johnson Nelson, 87, died peacefully on Friday March 23, 2012 at her home in Atlanta, GA. A memorial service celebrating her life will be held on Monday, March 26 at 12:00 PM at St. James United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends during the preceding hour.

Born April 17, 1924 in Geneva, Illinois, Alice moved to Atlanta in 1963 with her best friend and husband Cliff Nelson, to whom she remained happily married for 63 years until his death in 2007. Cliff and Alice were the proud parents of three children -- Sharon, Doug and Ted -- and were loving grandparents to 10 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

Always lightning quick with a joke, Alice epitomized strength and determination and will forever be remembered for her fiery personality, her fierce independence, and her classically elegant style. She enjoyed her weekly bridge group, tennis, skiing, cooking, winters at Longboat Key, church at St. James, and entertaining friends. But her true passion and joy was her family.

Alice’s love and devotion to her husband and family served as a shining example to all of those around her, and her glowing legacy as a matriarch lives on in the lives of three generations. She will be deeply missed.

Alice is survived by her sister Irene and Bill Radecky of Grand Rapids, MI; her children: Sharon and Tom Arendshorst of Holland, MI; Doug and Peggy Nelson of Greer, SC; Ted and Tricia Nelson of Jackson, TN. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren include: Christopher, Missy, Simon, Luke and Philip Arendshorst; Michael Arendshorst and Devyn Larsen; James, Susan, Elizabeth and Harrison Aiken; Julie, Hunt, Carter and Charlie Garren; Emily and Brandon Ansley; Kathryn Nelson; Taylor, Kelly, Patrick, and Alice Nelson.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. James United Methodist Church or Longboat Island Chapel.