Barbara M. Nelson

She was born in Pecos, TX, on April 28, 1936, the daughter of Harless and Ila Mae (Scrimshire) McAlester. Barbara married Merwyn Nelson in Hobbs, NM, on August 22, 1967.

Barb graduated from High School in El Paso, TX, and from McMurry College in Abilene, TX, with a major in English and minor in Spanish. She taught in Hong Kong for 3 years and served as a missionary in the Philippines. After sharing her talents while traveling the word, she moved back to the US with her husband and two children. Barb returned to work serving the Springfield community at jobs ranging from working at the Kumler United Methodist Church food pantry to the SIU School of Medicine.

Barb practiced her faith at Laurel United Methodist Church where she was a member of the choir, a bell ringer, and part of their lady’s group, Clara Swain Circle, where she made great friends. She also sang in the choir at Concordia and participated in the morning coffee group at the Kerasotas YMCA. Her joy of talking to everyone she met earned her the beloved nickname of “Babbling Barb.” She received recognition for her philanthropy and continued to travel the world in her later years.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Barb is survived by her husband, Merwyn; son, John Russell (Katherine) Nelson of Springfield; daughter, Jeanette Marie Nelson of Los Angeles, CA; and grandchildren, Adira and Gwen.

Memorial Gathering and Memorial Service: Family will receive friends from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 19, 2024, at Laurel United Methodist Church, 631 S. Grand Ave. W., Springfield. Memorial Service will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Dr. Kent Lolling officiating.

The family is being served by Boardman-Smith Funeral Home, 800 S. Grand Ave. West, Springfield.