Mary Nelson

Memorial Services will be held on June 1, 2024 11:00am at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses located at 4244 Forrest St Ext Valdosta, GA 31605

Mary Alice Nelson, 79, of Valdosta, GA, passed away peacefully on May 27, 2024, of natural causes, with her family lovingly by her side.
Mary was born on May 5, 1945 in Valdosta, GA. Raised and nurtured by her Special Aunt and Uncle: Kate & Otis Mallette.
Mary is survived by her three children: Michelle Gray of Valdosta, GA (Daughter), Claude ‘Eric’ Brunson Jr. of Valdosta, GA (Son), and Keisha Laviscount of Charlotte, NC (Daughter) (Spouse Brian Laviscount). Two grandchildren: Morgan Gray of Nashville, TN (Granddaughter) and Jonathan Gray of Atlanta, GA (Grandson). A sister Seleste Haynes of St. Petersburg, FL. and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.
Mary attended Pineville High School, Valdosta, GA, Class of 1963. She was very studious in her schooling. She was also involved in many extracurricular activities, like the school chorus and drama club. Upon graduation she moved to New York and attended secretarial school. She later started her family which gifted her beloved children. Eventually she would meet a dear neighbor (Ada) who would introduce her to a life-changing gift: the knowledge of Jehovah’s love and hope for mankind. She moved her family back to Valdosta, GA where she continued her study of God’s Word the Bible. Her faith and love for Jehovah God and his promises strengthened which eventually led to her baptism as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in 1975. She persevered as a loving and nurturing mother and a staunch lover of Jehovah and his organization. Spiritually, she continued to instill love and Christian values in her children.
Secularly, she would continue her vocational training in Valdosta, GA which lead to her working for the Valdosta School System for many years. While there, she was well loved by many students and staff. Students recount the impact of her nurturing spirit she had in their lives. She would later continue her long-term employment with South Georgia Medical Center (SGMC) before retiring.
Anyone who knew Mary knows of her intense love for flowers. She was happiest growing her many beautiful flowers and seeing them flourish and thrive. She loved all things that were pretty! Her joys included decorating her home, shopping, and buying special gifts for others. She prided herself in being well dressed, polished, and having a lovely inviting home space. Most importantly, she will be remembered by her loved ones as a loving and empathetic spirit. She engaged with those who would be considered the most vulnerable. This endearing quality ensured that she will be cherished by friends and family alike.
Mary loved to make others laugh and smile. She often would joke with others who may be unwell or sick to make them smile. Their smile brought joy to her heart. Mary was always writing personalized cards and letters to friends to brighten their day while including a bible quote or uplifting spiritual message. Writing heartfelt personalized messages to others to uplift them had a reciprocal effect on her. She often attached a gift to many of her cards and letters that further brought joy to the receivers.
Mary truly loved and was very proud of her children: Michelle, Eric, and Keisha and her husband/beloved son-in-law, Brian. Her love extended even further with the love of her grandchildren: Morgan and Jonathan.
Since her children were small before they left the house, her favorite saying to them was: ‘Keep Jehovah in Your Heart’. To this day those words still resonate with them. Her grandchildren Morgan & Jonathan were very special and dear to her. Her children often teased that she loved her grandchildren the most.
A Special Thank You to:
Best Friend: Lorraine Bryant
Special Friends: Priscilla Deloach, Connie Deloach, Sabrina Shinholster, Lavern Priester, and Truoise Taylor-Nash (Long-time School Friend)
Special Cousins: Lawrence Colbert and Tara ‘Mika’ Moore-West

Our family would like to express a heartfelt Thank You for the outpouring of love and support from you dear friends. You have provided true meaning to the words at Proverbs 17:17:
“A true friend shows love at all times And is a brother who is born for times of distress”