Cathleen B. Nelson

Cathleen Brinson Nelson peacefully passed away on Saturday, August 1, 2015. Everyone called her Cappy, a fond childhood nickname that her father gave her. She is survived by her husband Elbert (Shadow) Nelson, 5 children, 10 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. Cappy’s descendants are spread across the Mid-Atlantic States from Virginia to Florida: Son David in Chattanooga, TN; son and daughter-in-law Ron and Kathy in Forest VA; daughter and son-in-law Laura and Tom Jayne in Waynesboro, VA; daughter and son-in-law Melanie and Jon Fowler of Chattanooga, TN; and daughter and son-in-law Susan and Robert Miller of Raleigh, NC.

Cappy was born in the little coastal farming village of Arapahoe, NC on April 2, 1928. She majored in Spanish and Sociology at the Women’s College of North Carolina in Greensboro (later named the University of NC at Greensboro). After college, Cappy lived with her husband Shadow in Pittsburg PA, Greensboro NC and Hillsdale NJ. She was a beloved teacher of 7th and 8th grade Spanish and English. After retiring, Cappy and Shadow enjoyed13 years in the resort area of Ajijic near Guadalajara, Mexico. In 2000 they returned to the US and lived in Waynesboro, VA before spending her final days in Forest, VA. She also traveled extensively: Canada, England, France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Holland, Switzerland, Austria, Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay were among the stops made along her journey of life.

For over 87 years, Cappy Nelson brightened the lives of those around her. She led a life that was filled with love for her family and Shadow, her husband of 66 years. She always had a kind word and a smile for those who had the privilege of knowing her, and always went out of her way to make the lives of those around her easier and more enjoyable. A common response to meeting Cappy has always been, “what a beautiful lady she is!” Her inner beauty suffused her life with a joy for living and a zest that people could not but help notice. Although her body did not keep up with spirit in the final years, she never complained. Cappy continued to be a joy for those who cared for her. She will live on in the memories of family and friends forever. The family gratefully acknowledges the excellent care and support from Centra Bedford Hospice and the Runk & Pratt Memory Care Residence in Forest, VA.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday August 15, 2015 at the Timberlake Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), 20261 Lynchburg Hwy (Route 460), Lynchburg, VA. A reception will be held at the church fellowship hall immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association (www.heart.org).

To send condolences to the family, please visit www.whittentimberlake.com.

Whitten Timberlake Chapel, 7404 Timberlake Rd., Lynchburg, VA 24502, (434) 239-0331, is serving the family.