Lorena Rutledge Nelson, age 95, passed away on Saturday, July 22, 2017, at Canon Hospice in Gulfport, MS.

The daughter of John Simeon “Sim” and Martha Magdalene “Mattie” Rutledge, Lorena was born on May 24, 1922, in Nettlesboro. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, James Elery Nelson, and her seven siblings: Alpheus (Edna/Nell) Rutledge, Wynema (Gordon) Nelson, Holly (Kylie) Rutledge; Eppie (Earl) Sellers, Grady (Dorothy) Rutledge, Elvin (Winifred) Rutledge, and an infant brother.

She is survived by her son, John (Kathy) Nelson, of Jackson; her daughter, Gaye (Richard) Nelson Goodwin, of Gulfport; her granddaughter, Kristi Stoker, of Mobile; and her great granddaughter, Morgan Stoker, also of Mobile. She is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins, as well as a host of friends who dearly loved her. If you were her friend, she considered you family.

Following graduation from Thomasville High School in 1940, Lorena worked for Dr. Hugh Underwood, Western Union and Bedsole’s Department Store prior to becoming a mother. A widow for the past 30 years, she and Elery married on June 20, 1942, and would have celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary this year.

A resident of Thomasville for majority of her life, Lorena was a member of the Thomasville Baptist Church and was very active in the TEL/Elect Ladies Sunday School Class. She loved the people in her community and found great joy in doing for others.

The family would like to express their deepest appreciation to those who have continually shared their love and laughter with their Mother. Whether you lifted her in prayer, sent cards, visited or called, you have been a special blessing to all of us, especially during these last few years. Special thanks to those caregivers who have become family and provided exceptional care. Your love, hugs, funny stories, and concern for her welfare have truly been a blessing. We are eternally grateful to the staff of Garden Park Medical Center ER and Canon Hospice for their efforts to make Mother’s last few hours here on earth as painless for her as humanly possible. They showed great compassion for her and were extremely apologetic that they were not able to do more for her. As our loved one is laid to rest, we want to thank everyone who has walked beside us on this journey and continues to do so. We could not get through all of this without you.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 26, 2017, at 11:00 a.m., at O’Bryant Chapel Funeral Home in Thomasville, AL. The service will follow at noon with Bro. Ty Parten officiating. Burial will be at Evergreen Memorial Gardens in Thomasville, AL, immediately afterward.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Organ Fund at Thomasville Baptist Church.

Arrangements by O'Bryant Chapel Funeral Home in Thomasville, AL.

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