Della J. Nelson

Della J. Nelson, age 77, entered into eternal rest on Saturday, May 23, 2020. Della was born in Dumas, Arkansas, on August 13, 1942. She is the eighth child and the youngest daughter of the late Arthur Jackson and Velma Kimble Jackson. Della received Christ at an early age, was baptized, and joined Free Gift M. B. Church in Dumas. Della graduated from Reed High School in 1960. In 1964, she graduated from Arkansas Agricultural and Normal College (AM&N) in Pine Bluff, Arkansas (now the University of Arkansas at Pine Buff) with a B.S. degree in Elementary Education. While at AM&N College, she met the love of her life, Dr. William E. Nelson, Jr, affectionately known as "Nick". Della and William were happily married for 48 years; marrying in 1964. From their union, they had one child, a son named Nicholas whom they both loved dearly. Della was a beloved elementary teacher in the Columbus Public Schools where she taught third and fourth grade students at EASTHAVEN Elementary for over 40 years. There she was known for her dedication to her students, her firm yet loving teaching style, and colorful classroom. Della was also a proud life member and Silver Star with forty-six (46) years of active service in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, Alpha Sigma Omega Chapter. Della was a member of Asbury North United Methodist Church in Columbus. She will be united with her late husband, William, who preceded her in death in 2013 in a private ceremony on Tuesday, June 2, 2020. Della leaves to cherish her memory, son, Nick; daughter-in-love Tiffany; grandson, Quinn; siblings: Hattie, Pollie (Alpha), Joe (Juanita); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, sorority sisters, and students. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association in her memory. To make your gift online, visit Della J. Nelson’s Tribute Page at http://act.alz.org/goto/della.