Velma Dean Nelson

Ava, Missouri

Velma Dean Nelson, 85 years,1 month, and 5 days old, passed peacefully to Heaven on August 30, 2023 at her home with family by her side.

On July 25, 1938, Dean was born to Ralph and Ethel (Albright) Mathes in Crossroads, Missouri.  Dean grew up in the Crossroads community and graduated from Ava High School in 1956. Dean continued her education and received a B.S. Degree in Elementary Education at SMS in Springfield, MO.

Dean and Herbert Nelson  were united in marriage on July 3, 1958 in Douglas County , Missouri. Together they had two children, Ricky and Debbie.

Dean was a teacher at Plainview Public Schools for 57 years! She had also taught a year at Mark Twain Elementary School. She loved children and it showed by her dedication in her work. She later on worked part time at the Town & Country Supermarket in Ava MO. She was a Christian and a member of the Eastern Gate Missionary Baptist Church. She enjoyed crocheting many blankets and afghans for family and friends. Dean adored and loved her children and especially grand, great grandchildren and her great great granddaughter.

Dean was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Herbert; son, Rick; and her brother, Don Mathes.

Dean is survived by her daughter, Debbie Whitaker; grandchildren, Mandy & Trey Lehmann, and Randall & Sara Whitaker; great grandchildren, Alex (Haley), Amy (Travis), Kasey (Hannah), Carlie (Dathan) and Shelby; great great granddaughter, Tessa; one sister, Thelma Neff; many nieces; nephews; other relatives and many friends.

Funeral services for Dean will be Friday, September 1, 2023 at 2:00 P.M. in the Clinkingbeard Chapel, Ava, MO with burial following in the Union Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday prior to the service at 1:00 P.M.

Officiating will be Pastor Bill Comer. Family requests donations to the Union Grove Cemetery.