Carolyn Lorraine Nelson

Carolyn Nelson passed from this life into the arms of God on August 22, 2026 at the age of 97. She was born October 23, 1928 to Fosdick and Lorraine (Hodges) Cunningham in Mobile, Alabama. After graduating from Murphy High School, she attended the University of Alabama (Roll Tide!) where she was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha and majored in elementary education. In 1949 she married Walter Grant Nelson, and they had three children: Carolyn Lorraine, Walter Mitchell, and Debra Lynn.

Carolyn lived and taught school in Hayneville, Gadsden, and Montgomery, Alabama, as well as a brief stay in Austin, Texas while her husband pursued graduate studies. In 1995, after her husband died and she retired, she moved to Josephine, Alabama, initially to help care for her father but then to enjoy life on the water and the warmth of the community. In her retirement years she enjoyed traveling, gardening, and hosting friends for happy hour. A lifelong Baptist, she was a longtime member and supporter of Josephine Baptist Church.

Carolyn loved all kinds of animals and owned (or was owned by) many dogs and a few cats over the years. She also volunteered at the Montgomery and Gulf Coast zoos, where she particularly enjoyed teaching children about animal life. But her north star was always family, to whom she was intensely loyal and fiercely devoted.

She was preceded in death by her parents Fosdick and Lorraine, her husband Walter, and her daughter Debbie. She is survived by her sister Doris Mae, her son Mitch and daughter Lorraine, five grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. A celebration of her life will be held at Josephine Baptist Church on Friday, September 4, at 11:00 am.