Mary Kathleen Nelson

(née Pitts) passed into eternal life. Her ninety years were defined by unwavering

faith, a desire to help others, and a dash of pluck.

Mary—who was also known as Kat and Kathy earlier in life—had a profound faith in

God that radiated through the self-sacrificial love and care she showed to others.

She was deeply loyal to her family but also never met a stranger. She never

hesitated to help whomever she could, however she could. Always putting others

before herself, she gave generously even when it meant going without.

An avid sewer and crocheter, Mary delighted in creating afghans and quilts for

loved ones—including her granddaughter's cat—and used her gifts to bless

chemotherapy patients with caps and nursing home residents with prayer shawls.

She found great comfort in Scripture and in her faith, encouraging her children and

grandchildren to trust in God and make Him the center of their lives. Nearly every

morning began with a text to her loved ones to “have a Jesus-filled day,” and most

nights ended with, “Good night, sweet dreams, God bless you, and I love you.” She

embodied the words of Joshua 1:9: “Be strong and courageous.” Through every

hardship, she chose to see the good and never allowed her circumstances to shake

her faith in the goodness of God. She believed firmly in God’s provision—often

demonstrated through a resourcefulness that seemed divinely inspired.

Born to R.J. and Linnie Dell Pitts in 1934, Mary grew up on a homestead in Red

Rock, Florida. The eldest of seven children, she was a devoted sister and a source

of lifelong wisdom and support. She excelled academically and graduated as

salutatorian of Munson High School’s Class of 1952 before attending business

school in Montgomery, Alabama.

Throughout her career, Mary used her business skills in many roles: as the owner of

a record store, a bookkeeper for the Adams Citrus Packing Association, Polk

Nursery, and Haines City Citrus Growers, and even as a jewelry entrepreneur in her

later years.

She was married twice, and while both marriages ended in divorce, she remained

on good terms with both former spouses. Her deep capacity for friendship and

compassion was especially evident in her continued care for her second husband—

father of her two children—whom she lovingly supported through his final illness.

Motherhood and grandmotherhood brought her immense joy. She offered

steadfast love, guidance, and support to her family throughout their lives. She

nurtured her daughter’s love of music, supported (albeit a bit nervously) her son’s

dream of flying, inspired her granddaughter Lydia’s love of travel by pushing her for

hours in an airplane swing, and ensured her grandson Dalton had the chance to

learn to ride horses. She loved browsing antique and thrift shops and passed on

the joy of finding hidden treasures to her children and grandchildren.

She is reunited in heaven with her parents, several siblings, and her beloved son,

Joseph “Joe” Nelson. She will be dearly missed by her daughter, Camilla Lynn

Ethridge (Lewis, Jr.); granddaughters Stephanie Varnes and Lydia Ethridge;

grandson Dalton Nelson (Sierra); several great-grandchildren; and her siblings

Gene (Sandy) Pitts, Juanita “Nita” Manning, and Ricky Pitts.

Per her wishes, a graveside service will be held at Glen Abbey Memorial Gardens

on June 13, 2025, at 10:30 a.m.