Elizabeth Jane Patten Nelson

Elizabeth Jane ("Bettie" or "BJ") Patten Nelson died peacefully at Canterbury Tower on Thursday, July 10th in Tampa Florida at the age of 99. Like her mother, Vera Josephine Richards Patten Hamilton, who lived to be 98, BJ proved that longevity often runs in the family. She was also preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Thomas Burton ("Burt") Nelson, a local businessman for many years in the major appliance industry.

BJ was born on March 12th, 1926, in Tampa Florida. She graduated from HB Plant High School in 1942. In 1946, she earned a BS degree in Business Administration from the University of Alabama. Shortly thereafter she went to work for Eastern Airlines as a ticket agent at Tampa Airport. She went on to earn a teaching certificate at USF and taught school at Mitchell Elementary for a period of years. Years later she became widely known in the community for her career in residential real estate, which lasted for decades.

While at Eastern Airlines BJ met Burt Nelson, a handsome Georgia boy, on a blind date in 1951. He was on shore leave from active duty with the US Navy (Battleship 62, New Jersey). The couple married at Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church after the Korean War in 1953. Two years later, in 1955, they welcomed their first child, Winfield ("Win") Patten Nelson to the world. In 1957, Priscilla ("Pris") Scott Nelson joined the family. Her children remember BJ as a patient yet driven mother who encouraged them to pursue their goals.

BJ was passionate about her faith, community and, especially, her family's heritage. She was an active and dedicated member of Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church for over 50 years. Other organizations BJ was passionate about include The Daughters of the American Revolution, Colonial Dames of America, United Daughters of the Confederacy, Tampa Historical Society, Ybor City Museum Society, Henry B. Plant Museum Society. Tampa Women's Club, Amaryllis Garden Club, and the New Suburb Beautiful Homeowners Association. She was also a long-time member of Palma Ceia Golf and Country Club and Krewe of Venus.

In addition to her children, Win and Pris, BJ is survived by her granddaughter Grace-Marie Nelson Brown, and her three great grandchildren, Weston Cole McCallum, Augusta Grace Brown, and Veya Patten Brown. BJ is also survived by her three nieces Sharon Slover Smith, Susan Jan Slover, and Melinda Patten Slover, each of whom are daughters of her beautiful and beloved older sister Vera Josephine ("Jo") Patten Slover (Deceased).

A Graveside Service is scheduled for 1:00pm on Wednesday, July 16th at the Patten Family Plot, located behind the Gamble Mansion in Mansion Memorial Park, Ellenton Florida. All are welcome to attend. Condolences may be left on her obituary webpage.

Finally, the family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff at Canterbury Tower for their dedication to her care.