Helen Claire Nelson

Helen McBride Nelson, a native and lifelong resident of Mobile, Alabama, died at a local health care facility on Friday, May 15, at the age of 87. Mrs. Nelson graduated from The Convent of Mercy High School and was an active member of many civic organizations throughout her life. She was also a dedicated member of Little Flower Catholic Church from the time she was a young girl until her death.

During her lifetime, Mrs. Nelson was fortunate enough to have been able to travel much of the world along with her husband of 65 years, James C. Nelson. But no matter what country or city she visited, she loved Mobile and the Eastern Shore the most. An avid gardener and reader, Mrs. Nelson devoted her life to nurturing and caring for her husband, children, and grandchildren. Her innate sense of grace, elegance, and style will always mark her as a true Southern lady. She will be greatly missed by her children and grandchildren, her sisters, many, many nieces, nephews, and cousins, as well as an extensive network of cherished friends. Faith, family, and friends were the guideposts of her life.

Mrs. Nelson was predeceased by her parents, George Garner McBride and Gladys McNamara McBride, as well as her beloved husband, James C. Nelson, and two sons, an infant and her eldest, James C. “Chuck” Nelson, Jr.

Survivors include two sons, Noel J. Nelson and Roger A. (Beverly) Nelson; one daughter, Jan Nelson (Louis) Zimlich, all of the Mobile area; five grandchildren, Ryan C. Zimlich, and Alana Nelson (Max) Frost, both of Mobile, Julia Nelson (Ross) Bond of Boston, MA, Sara Drue Nelson of Tuscaloosa, and Michael McBride Nelson of Mobile.

Mrs. Nelson is also survived by two sisters, Mrs. Marilyn Story of Biloxi, MS and Mrs. Jackie Mills of Mobile. She was predeceased by three other sisters, Cecelia Bailey, Millie Stephens, and Doris McAleer.

The family would like to thank Mrs. Ola Bradley, who was an integral part of her life for so many years. We also want to express our thanks and gratitude to the wonderful staffs of the Atria Regency and later, the Allen Memorial Home for their compassionate and loving care of our mother, especially Cindy, Tameshia, and Sister Francis.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated from Little Flower Catholic Church on Thursday, May 21, 2015, at 12 p.m. The family will receive friends at the church from 11 a.m. until the service hour. Interment will be in Pine Crest Cemetery. Condolences may be offered at www.radneyfuneralhome-mobile.com.