Merle Jean Nelson went to meet her heavenly Father face to face on Father's Day, June 16, 2019 after a brief battle with cancer.  She was born in Morris, AL on February 23, 1935 to James Edward and Burlie Mae Gipson.  She is survived by her husband Ken, with whom she was celebrating their 50th Year together!  Ken and Merle have two children, Bill (Amy) Nelson of Decatur, and Donna (David) Hill of Seattle, WA.  They have 5 grandchildren (Grace, 18, Colin, 16, Stella Mae, 14; Sawyer, 6; and Scout, 6 months).  She leaves behind her sister Doris Lee, of Scottsboro.  She is survived by a host of cousins, nephews, nieces and extended family whom she deeply loved.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Central Baptist church at 12:00 pm on Wednesday, June 26, 2019.  Visitation will be from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm at the church.  She will be laid to rest in Morris Cemetery following a 3:00 pm graveside service that same afternoon.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to Hospice of the Valley or the Neighborhood Christian Center's Women's Jail Ministry.