Charlene McDonald Nelson, 80, devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, and native of Baton Rouge, passed away on February 19, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was a 1963 graduate of St. Joseph’s Academy, and a 1967 graduate of LSU where she earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology.
As a young teenager, she met her future husband, Michael, while taking classical ballet lessons from his mother. Years later, she and her mother-in-law taught ballet together at their own dance school, where she shared her love of ballet with her daughter, nieces, and many other students. Charlene loved and had an incredible knowledge of plants. For many years, she owned and operated Nelson’s Nursery, a wholesale plant nursery, supplying flowers and vegetables to retail nurseries across Baton Rouge. Friends and family frequently sought her advice on all things related to gardening. The kitchen was where she felt most comfortable, sharing her love through food. A true south Louisiana cook, she was a gifted chef and rarely used a recipe. Her grandchildren knew that all it took was a simple mention of a favorite dish, be it gumbo, jambalaya, red beans and rice, or even mac and cheese, and it would soon appear as if by magic. It was absolutely impossible to leave her house with an empty stomach.
For more than twenty years, she was the heart behind an annual family beach trip, a tradition she looked forward to all year, especially because it brought her Texas and Louisiana grandchildren together. Weeks were spent preparing to make everything just right, and once at the beach house, she cooked every delicious meal, caring for her family in the way she knew and loved. These trips became the setting for countless cherished memories and were among her greatest joys.
She is preceded in death by her mother and father, Madge Young McDonald and Charles Gassie McDonald, and younger sister, Mary Charlotte McDonald.
She is survived by her high school sweetheart and beloved husband of 58 years, Michael Houston Nelson, her children,Shane Nelson of Austin, TX, and Casey Sullivan (Joe) of Baton Rouge, her grandchildren, Kelly Nelson and Henry Nelson (Kate), of Austin, TX, Houston Sullivan and Erin Sullivan of Baton Rouge, her sister, Kathleen Ann McDonald of Baton Rouge, and many cherished nieces, nephews, and in-laws. She was happily anticipating the arrival of her first great-grandchild, due in August 2026.
Charlene will be remembered for her selflessness, loyalty, and devotion to family - someone who never sought the spotlight, but whose quiet presence and steady care shaped the lives of those around her.
Visitation will be on Friday, February 27, 2026, at Rabenhorst Funeral Home, 825 Government St., 9:00 to 11:00 AM, with a brief service at 11:00am. Interment at Roselawn Cemetery to follow.
Pallbearers will be Kelly Nelson, Henry Nelson, Houston Sullivan, Joe Sullivan, Jesse Saska, and Colin Nelson. Honorary pallbearers will be Patrick Nelson and Shawn Nelson.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to special caregivers Ire’an Marshall, Andrea Parker, and Annette Grimes, for their compassion and care they provided in recent months.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to The Hospice of Baton Rouge Butterfly Wing or Wounded Warriors.
