Jeanne Nelson

Jeanne S. Nelson Jeanne Swanger Nelson died on Sunday, June 24, 2007 at Wythe County Community Hospital. She was 86. She was born August 23, 1920 to the late Howard Lee Swanger and Hazel Bundy Swanger in Marion, Indiana. Jeanne graduated from Northwestern University in 1942 with a degree in Speech and Drama, which remained her lifelong interests. She directed student plays, evaluated forensics competitions, and served as a judge for the Lynchburg Junior Miss Program for several years. Jeanne loved Broadway musicals, as well as plays and movies of all kinds. She developed an extensive film collection, which she donated to the Emory and Henry College Library. She provided countless moments of drama for her family and friends over the years. Jeanne married John R. (Bob) Nelson in 1946. Soon after, the two moved to Marion, Virginia. There they raised a family of four children and numerous household pets, including their beloved Lab, Molly. Jeanne was her children's biggest cheerleader. She encouraged all of their interests, including ballet, pets, sports, and band, and continually nurtured their creativity. Over the years, Jeanne was active at her children's schools, serving as a room mother and President of the PTA. Jeanne also served the community as a member and President of the Marion Junior Woman's Club and as a parishoner of Christ Episcopal Church, where she was a lay reader and taught Sunday School for over 25 years. She was active in the Episcopal Church Women group, the altar guild, and was a tireless worker for the annual church bazaar. She supported friends in times of need, ferrying countless casseroles to many Marion homes over the years. Along with her husband Bob, Jeanne served as a tutor for the Smyth County literacy project. Jeanne had an infectious laugh, a quick wit, and a keen sense of humor that helped to sustain her. She loved the beach and the mountains of southwest Virginia. She enjoyed playing bridge and bingo. She was an avid reader, participating in various book clubs and imparting her love of language to family and friends. Jeanne was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, and her husband of 60 years, Bob Nelson. She is survived by her four children: son John R. Nelson, Jr. and wife Sarah, daughter Tina Nelson Quillian and husband Bill, son Bill Nelson, and daughter Alice Nelson and husband Patrick Hub; seven grandchildren, Chris Hudson and wife Robyn, Jay Nelson and wife Amy, Elliot Nelson and wife Erin, Blair Nelson, Jordan Nelson, Laura Quillian and Quint Quillian; three great-grandchildren, Jack Hudson, Graham Hudson, and Penelope Nelson. Funeral services will be held at Christ Episcopal Church in Marion on Sunday, July 1, 2007, at 2:00 p.m. with the Rev. Christopher Mason officiating. The family will receive friends in the fellowship hall of the church immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Christ Episcopal Church, c/o Bob Shults, P.O. Box 189, Marion, VA 24354 or to the March of Dimes, 10128A West Broad Street, Marion, Virginia 24354.