Margaret Nelson

Quietly, and in the presence of her loved ones, Margaret Miller Nelson of Lynchburg, Virginia, completed her life journey, on June 12, 2011 at Lynchburg General Hospital. She was the devoted wife of Dr. Joseph Lee Nelson, Jr. for sixty-three years.

Born in Norfolk, Virginia on June 30, 1926, she was the daughter of the late John Milton Miller and the late Margaret Wright Miller. She was raised in Virginia Beach, Virginia and Beckley, West Virginia, where she graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School.

Margaret received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Randolph-Macon Woman's College in 1947, with a Major in English and a Minor in Education, and was a member of Delta Delta Delta Social Sorority.  She received a Master of Education degree from Lynchburg College in 1978.

She taught elementary school in Norfolk and Richmond and later taught in Lynchburg at R. S. Payne Elementary School, Elizabeth Kizer Elementary School, Sandusky Elementary School and Linkhorne Elementary School.  As an outstanding teacher, she was selected for the LAS/LCE. P. D. A. program in 1969 and was inducted into Alpha Delta Kappa and Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Societies of Education. Margaret was active in the congregation of The Church of the Covenant, was a member of the Lynchburg Junior Woman's Club, serving as its Secretary, and of the Lynchburg Woman\"™s Club.  She served on the Board of the Williams Home Auxiliary as its Chair, regularly volunteered at the Maier Museum, and was a supporter of a host of local charities and community service organizations.

In addition to her husband, Margaret is survived by a brother, Dr. John Milton Miller, Jr. and wife, Elizabeth, and a sister Mary Lou Moore Shaffer and husband, Dr. Lee Shaffer, all of Roanoke, Virginia, her one daughter, Margaret Angela Nelson Phillips and husband, Bill, of Lynchburg, and five sons: Dr. Joseph Lee Nelson III and wife, Linda, of Roanoke, Va.; John Randolph Nelson and wife, Karen, of Lynchburg, Va.; Milton Miller Nelson and wife, Susan, of Richmond, Va.; Thomas Edwin East Nelson and wife, Lisa, of Purcellville, Va.; and David Francis Nelson and wife, Kim, of Charleston, West Virginia. She is survived by eighteen grandchildren:  Joseph Lee Nelson, IV and wife, Meg of Springfield, Va.; Garland Nelson of Lynchburg, Va.; Bethany Nelson and Rosemary \"Liz\" Nelson of Roanoke, Va.; Poppy Bilbra-Jacobs of Lynchburg, Va.; Ashley Nelson of Richmond, Va.; John Randolph Nelson, Jr.  of Arlington, Va.; Shannon Hellem of Alexandria, Va.; Kimberley Hellem of New York, NY; Lee Nelson of Denver, Co.; Mark Nelson of Bethesda, Md.; Kelly Nelson of Charlottesville, Va.; Susan Nelson, Christy Nelson and Sara Margaret Nelson all of Purcellville, Va.; David Francis Nelson, Jr., Marilyn Miller Nelson and Peter Nelson all of Charleston, West Virginia, and one great-granddaughter MacKenzie Nelson of Springfield, Va.

As a young woman Margaret was an accomplished equestrienne and a state champion in three-gaited show competitions. She passed on her love of horses to her children. She played the piano for a Norfolk radio station and shared her passion for music by providing private lessons once she became the mother of six children. Margaret was an accomplished pianist and organist, playing at various churches where her husband was invited to preach, as well as at the Church of the Covenant. To her family and many friends, Margaret's graciousness and hospitality were unsurpassed. Her home was a joy and the site of many memorable gatherings notable for their delicious meals and elegant but welcoming surroundings.  She had a discerning eye and created many a charming home that reflected her love of family and tradition, her artistic and decorative talents, and her love of flowers. Margaret was devoted to her children\"™s interests and was one of Lynchburg\"™s original \"Soccer Moms.\"

As her husband\"™s devoted and loving wife, she embraced his love of travel and cultures, and together they explored many exciting regions both domestically and internationally including living in Greece on several occasions.  These travels came alive for family and friends through stories that reflected her remarkable spirit for adventure. They also extended their home and hospitality to host two international students who made their impact in Lynchburg and Camp Kum-Ba-Yah \"" Laurent Berteloot from France and Wijnand Jongen from the Netherlands.  They too were like sons to her.

Margaret deeply loved and encouraged her family, inspired her students and blessed her friends.  She gave so much yet asked so little.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, June 15, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. in Snidow Chapel at Lynchburg College with The Reverend David Edwards officiating.  Interment will follow at Virginia Memorial Park, Forest, Virginia. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 14, 2011, at Tharp Funeral Home on Breezewood Drive in Lynchburg.

The family wishes to thank the caring and supportive staffs of Lynchburg General Hospital and of Drinkard Health Center at Westminster-Canterbury.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Church of The Covenant, Camp Kum-Ba-Yah, Inc. or a charity of your choice. Condolences may be sent to Tharp Funeral Home www.obituaries.tharpfuneralhome.com