Gracie Elizabeth “Lucy” Nelson

Helena

Gracie Elizabeth “Lucy” Nelson, of Helena, passed away Sept. 9. She loved animals and never turned her back on a stray. She had a pet rooster, Hot Shot, and pet hen, Peaches, that lived with her for many years along with many cats, several dogs, a pet squirrel, and several birds. Her granddaughter was the apple of her eye, and she was overjoyed when her great-grandson was born in 2014.

She was born in Bessemer to Clarence and Stella Wade on Sept. 3, 1935. She married Alvin George Nelson on Christmas Day 1953. Not only did she bring a Yankee into the family, but she also became an Air Force wife destined to travel for the next 18 years. She returned to Helena in 1971 and settled close to family once again. She was a cosmetologist while stationed in Arkansas and worked as a waitress for many years at Triple J restaurant in Alabaster. After her husband’s death in 1986, she sponsored a gospel group traveling to churches around the South in “Big Beulah”, a retired Trailways bus. She also delivered meals to the homebound through Meals on Wheels. She was a member of Amazing Grace Church in Saginaw, AL.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Alvin George Nelson; parents, Clarence and Stella Wade; brothers, Glenn Wade and Garnett Wade; and sisters, Elsie Kirkpatrick and Edna Fulgham. She is survived by her daughter, Judy Nelson Rice (Virgil); granddaughter, Jennifer Rice Tait (Andrew); great-grandson, Liam Preston Tait; brother, Harold Wade (Edna); numerous nieces and nephews; and her rat terrier, Lovey; and her cats, Sparky and Suzy.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, Sept. 12 at 11 AM at Rockco Funeral Home (Montevallo), with visitation beginning at 10 AM. Bro. Ray Smith will officiate and burial will be at Cedar Grove Cemetery in Maylene, AL. In lieu of flowers, please spay or neuter your pets & support your local Humane Society.