Linda Sue (Crawley) Nelson

Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma to her beloved father William H. Crawley (whom she called “Pater”) and her mother Ann (Mallet) Crawley. Her father enlisted in the United States Airforce and served through World War II, Korea and Vietnam Conflicts, including serving in the Minuteman Program. His service called him away several times, leaving her to help take care of her two younger brothers (David and Doug). When her father was stationed in Amarillo, Texas, Linda spent time with her aunts, uncles and cousins. She was especially close to her Aunt Margaret, Uncle Marcus and their son, Stephen Woodall.

During high school, her father was stationed at Chanute Airforce Base in Rantoul, Illinois. There, she met and began dating her future husband, Richard (Rick) Nelson in 1962. Linda graduated from Rantoul High School in 1965 and went on to Northeast State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma on academic scholarships. There, she received degrees in speech and language pathology and psychology as a member of the Delta Zeta Sorority and Alpha Chi Honor Society. After, she joined Rick at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale (SIU) where she met longtime friend and mentor, Miki (Craig) Brown. At SIU, she earned multiple master’s degrees and certifications in early child development, special education, education administration and speech and language pathology.

August 10, 1968, she married Rick. At the age of only 22, she began working as a full-time professor at (SIU). However, she quickly found herself wanting to do more to help special needs children directly. The next year, she began teaching at the School for Hearing Impaired in the basement of a church in Marion, Illinois where she met longtime friends Susan Prendergast and Pam Mabry. There, she, along with Rick and others, successfully lobbied the state to build a separate building for the students. On weekends, Linda, with one of her best friends, Debbie Ehrhradt and others, would teach the students’ parents and siblings sign language so they could better communicate as families, despite being a mother herself to two very young children.

In 1980, she joined the Wabash Ohio Valley Special Education District (WOVSED) as an Assistant Director. Later, she became the Director of the Johnson, Alexander Massac and Pulaski Special Education District (JAMP). At JAMP, she met her loyal friend and supporter, the legendary, Ronnie Woods. She is remembered by many of her coworkers as a mentor, guide and inspiration to their own careers and lives. With a tireless work ethic and as a gifted grant writer, she brought millions of dollars to Southern Illinois for services, resources, equipment and technology to special needs children. Throughout this time, she continued to teach graduate level classes at SIU at night.

Through it all, she never sought recognition or acknowledgement. Knowing she was helping children was all the motivation she needed. Nonetheless, the Illinois Alliance of Administrators of Special Education (IAASE) awarded Linda with its highest annual award for her achievements, the David A. Berto Award in 1998.

In Harrisburg, she attended St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, often leading the youth bible studies and frequently served as a Lay Reader. After her retirement, Linda wanted to help others and their families during their end-of-life journeys. Sadly, her own, terminal illness, Alzheimer’s Disease, ultimately prevented her from completing her goal. This was one of the greatest sadnesses and disappointments of her life.

Despite her decline, she was able to celebrate the birth of her only granddaughter, Klara Nelson in 2011. Linda was extremely proud and excited for what the future will hold for her as she continues to grow.

As her disease progressed, her son, Erik, cared for her for several of her years until he tragically passed away on December 7th, 2022. Ultimately, Linda Nelson passed away peacefully with her son, Kristofor, Klara and Lara by her side on the morning of June 11th, 2025.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents, (William and Ann Crawley). She is survived by her brothers (David Crawley and Doug Crawley, of Amarillo, Texas), her niece Lisa (Chris) Baugh and their children, Belle and Alex of Amarillo, Texas. Her husband of 56 years (together for 63), Richard Arnold Nelson also survives in Davie, Florida. He served as a constant support for her career and life of helping children. Despite her work commitments, she was devoted and fiercely proud of two sons, Erik Arnold Nelson (Davie, Florida) who preceded her in death and Kristofor William (Lara Shah) Nelson of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. She had a special connection with her only granddaughter, Klara Sofia Nelson of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She treated many of Erik’s and Kris’s friends as if they were her own children, especially Josh Banks and Ryan Hobbs. Her legacy continues with all those lives she touched through her work and the people she inspired to help children.

Linda Nelson lived her life helping children and others. We all should strive to do more and “be nice to each other” in her memory. She will be missed.

There will be a funeral service at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 101 E. Church Street, Harrisburg, IL on June 28th at 6pm. After, there will be a send-off celebration at the 35 S. Vine St. Harrisburg, IL 62946 (the Vine Street Venue), 7pm-10pm. All are welcome.

There will be a send-off for Linda at the Sky Building Lobby, 3801 N. Dixie Hwy, Oakland Park, FL, 7pm-9pm on June 18th.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Russell Education Foundation. https://www.russelleducationfoundation.com/