Thelma Corine Dabney Nelson entered into eternal rest on December 23, 2020 at the Laurels of University Park in Richmond, Virginia.

Thelma was born on July 1, 1925 to the late Ralph and Mary R. Dabney.  She was the eldest of seven children. Two sisters, Arletha Davis and Arlene Jackson, and one brother Charles, preceded her in death.

She was educated in Louisa County Public Schools and graduated from Louisa Training School.  Her love for education extended to being a Teacher Assistant at Apple Grove and Jouett Elementary Schools.  She worked for 15 years and retired on July 1, 1990.

In August 1937, she accepted Christ, was baptized by Reverend E. E. Robinson, and became a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church.  Thelma was a dedicated member who attended Church each Sunday until her health declined.  She sang in the Senior Choir for many years, and during her younger years she attended Sunday School.  To our surprise, she served as the Sunday School musician.

On February 9, 1946, she was joined in holy matrimony to the late William Nelson.  From this union three sons and two daughters were born.

Thelma is remembered by everyone she came in contact with for her laughter and speaking her mind.  Her home was opened to her family and friends, where she prepared many meals in making them feel welcomed.  She was known as "Gran Gran" to her grands and others.  Thelma was the glue that held her family together; so now the torch is passed on to her children.

Thelma leaves to cherish her memory five loving children: Myrtle Thompson, Kenneth Nelson (Della), Carolyn Shaffer, Roger Nelson, and Douglas Nelson; 13 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren; three sisters, Sadie Yancey, Lucy Mallory, and Edna Dabney; two brothers-in-law, Theordore and Morris Nelson; three sisters-in-law, Jacqueline Payton, Amanda Cuffey, Peggy Nelson, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.