Karen Lee Nelson

Karen was born on September 3, 1943, at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C., to the late Romeo Horad and Betty Horad Payne. She was raised in Washington, D.C., where she attended Langley Junior High School and graduated from Spingarn High School. Karen later continued her education through coursework at Cornell University.

On December 17, 1959, Karen married the love of her life, Edward T. Nelson, Sr., in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Their marriage spanned more than six decades, and together they built a life centered on love, family, and devotion to one another. Karen and Edward eventually made their home in Silver Spring, Maryland, where they lived together for 37 years.

Throughout her working years, Karen built a diverse career in both private industry and the federal government. She began her career with Giant Food, where she worked as an assistant manager, and later joined Magruder’s Supermarkets as an executive secretary. She eventually transitioned into federal service as an analyst with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), where her work included an assignment with the Tobacco Task Force. In the later years of her career, Karen worked with Miracle-Ear before retiring and enjoying more time at home with her family.

Faith was also an important part of Karen’s life. For many years, she was a member of The Episcopal Church of Our Saviour in Hillandale, Silver Spring, Maryland, where she volunteered as a Sunday School teacher, generously sharing her time and faith with the children of the congregation.

Above all else, Karen was the matriarch and heart of a large and loving family. She shared her life with her husband, Edward, and together they raised five sons: Edward T. Nelson, Jr.; John D. Nelson (LaTiahna); Michael A. Nelson (Praphat); Kenneth C. Nelson (Joycelyn); and Christopher S. Nelson (the late Linda Nelson).

Karen was a loving grandmother to Bethany Braga, Edward T. Nelson III, Kenneth Nelson, Jr., Steven Nelson, Justin Nelson, and Joshua Nelson. Her family continued to grow with the arrival of her great-grandchildren, Miles Braga, Scarlett Braga, Korbin Dallas, and Wesley Nelson, each adding another generation to the family she loved so deeply.

Karen is also survived by her sisters, Diane Dabney and Benita Bouknight, as well as her nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

In retirement, Karen found joy in the simple comforts of home. She loved spending time with her husband and their cats, watching her favorite television programs, cooking, doing a little shopping from home, and, most of all, talking with family and friends.

One of the greatest joys of her final years was the family’s weekly video call, which brought together her sons, daughters-in-law, and even the family’s granddogs and grandcats from around the country. Every Sunday gave Karen the opportunity to see everyone, hear their voices, catch up on their lives, share some laughter, and remain connected despite the miles between them. Those Sunday gatherings became a treasured family tradition and a true blessing to Karen and everyone who shared them with her.

On Saturday, August 22, at 5:27 p.m., Karen passed away peacefully. Just as family had been at the center of her life, family surrounded her in her final moments.

She was not alone.Both of her hands were being held, one by her son and the other by the daughter-in-law she loved as a daughter. Her husband, Edward, and her grandson, Joshua, were also by her side. If only she had had more hands for all those who surrounded her with love.

Karen left this life surrounded by the very thing she had given so freely throughout it: the love of her family.

Karen’s life encompassed more than eight decades of love, family, faith, work, accomplishments, and memories. Her legacy does not end with her passing. It lives on through her five sons, six grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and the generations still to come.

Her legacy also lives in the things that cannot be counted: the love and advice she shared, the warm hugs that made you feel truly loved, the conversations and laughter, and the thoughtful things she would do for you when no one else would.

Those who loved Karen will carry pieces of her with them for the rest of their lives. Her presence will remain in the family she built, the relationships she nurtured, the memories she created, and the love she gave so freely.

Karen Lee Nelson leaves an indelible footprint on this world, one that quietly but unmistakably says: “I was here. I loved. I mattered. And I will not be forgotten.”

A visitation will be held at DeVol Funeral Home, 10 East Deer Park Drive, Gaithersburg, MD 20877 on Thursday, September 3, 2026, from 11:00AM-12:00PM followed by a funeral service from 12:00PM to 1:00PM. Interment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Silver Spring, MD.