Judith “Judy” Isabelle Nelson, born March the 14th, 1944 in Wilmington, NC passed away peacefully on March the 9th, 2019 surrounded by family and loved ones at the Lower Cape Fear Hospice and Life Care Center of Wilmington. She was preceded in death by her husband Robert “Rocky” Nelson; Her mother and father, Joseph Franklin Branch Jr and Clara Mae Pigford Branch; one sister, Nancy Jane Branch; and one brother, James F. Branch. She leaves behind to cherish her memory her beloved daughters Debbie Nelson Foss (Dennis) and Mandi Elizabeth Ward (Brandice) of Wilmington, NC; Beloved Grandchildren Tamara Elizabeth Nelson Parker (Seth) of Wallace, NC, Alexander “Alex” Nelson Foss, Makenzie “Kenzie” Aspen Nelson, Ashlee “Doodle Bug” Clayton Holleman, and Dayston “Day Day” Conner Ward, all of Wilmington, NC; her beloved great grand childrenBryan Jaxson “Jax” Parker and Michael “Jayce” Parker of Wallace; her niece Clara “Lorraine” Redmond (Johnny) and their daughter Nicole Lynn Mayers (Kenny), as well as their daughter Olivia, All of Rocky Point, NC; and her sister-in-law Patricia “Pat” Branch of Winnabow, NC; and many more dearly loved family and friends.
Judy was a talented singer and cast in The Sound of Music at age 5. She sang with Charlie Daniels as a teenager when she was simply a guitar player. During her school years, she attended New Hanover High School and was considered to be one of the best singers at NHHS before going on to perform Buddy Skipper and The Jetty Jumpers as well as performing with bands from New York to Florida, including one that eventually became the Allman Brothers Band. At age 40, Judy attended college with her daughter, Debbie, and completed her associates degree in drafting and design and began a career with Corning Inc until her retirement in 2005. She was very fond of gardening beautiful flowers, plants and vegetables, and loving on her most dedicated furry companions, Clipper and Lil Man. Judy loved unconditionally, touched and healed the hearts of many, saw the good in everyone, gave so many second chances, opened her heart and home to just about anyone, leaving her life and heart filled with love. She will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her and will forever be in their hearts. Her life quote was “The only way to have a friend is to be one” by Ralph Waldo Emerson.
A poem from Mrs. Mandi E. Ward titled Sudden Loss:
“I woke up today, you were gone.
My heart is broken, my body is numb.
My Mother, my friend, my inner song.
the silence around me, I will succumb.
Learning to live without you here,
something I didn’t expect so soon,
my heart just knew you’d always be near,
now in my heart, there is no tune.
God, please fill this void I feel,
this pain shouldn’t be this bad,
the fear settling is so surreal,
please remove the hurt we have.
Tell us to live! That’s what she’d say.
Settle our hearts, please confort our pain.
Give us peace, learn to dance in the rain.
God, keep us strong till we meet again.”
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March the 23, 2019 between 1pm and 6pm at the residence of Mrs. Debbie Foss. The family request that in lieu of flowers, please send donations to Lower Cape Fear Hospice and Life Care Center located 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401 in honor of Judith Nelson. The family would like to arrange for a dedication tile in her memory.
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Mandi, Debby and Families, We are so sorry to hear about your moms passing. She was such a kind, caring woman and I know she will be missed dearly. We have many great memories with her. Know that she is now resting peacefully in the arms of our heavenly father. Sending Hugs, Prayers and our Condolences to all of her Family.
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