Jean Pedigo Nelson

Jean was born in Vinton, VA, the youngest and only daughter to Eugene & Maye Pedigo. She had three older brothers, Earl, Bob and Bill. She graduated from William Byrd High School and then went on to Radford College where she received a B.S. in Physical Education with minors in Science and Social Studies. She was the President of the Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority; Program Chairman of the Athletic Association; the Secretary and Treasurer of the Baptist Student Union, She worked on the Bee Hive year book; Junior Class Representative; Treasurer of the Monogram Club; Vice President of the Norwood House Council; Program Chairman of the Pemm Club; Vice President of the Tyler House Council; Freshman and Sophomore Class representative on the Student Executive Council. She was a member of Chi Beta Phi honorary scientific fraternity, Choral Club, German Club, Glee Club and Y.W.C.A. She received the following Honors: College Monogram, Star, and Crescent; Freshman Counselor; and Outstanding Senior. She met her husband, Robert Edward Nelson, Jr. on a blind date during college. Bob was an engineering student at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and served in World War II. They married in 1952 and lived briefly in Petersonburg, VA. They moved to Springfield, VA where Bob got a job at Melpar and later had a career at the Department of Transportation. Jean worked for the phone company until they adopted a daughter, Rebecca Mayre Nelson in 1960 and then a son, William Carrington Nelson in 1962. Jean was a stay at home mom and took care of the children and their English Pointer Josephine. When the children were in middle school, Jean returned to work as a Kindergarten teacher at Garfield Elementary school. In 1986 Bob died suddenly. Jean lost the love of her life and remained a widow. She was very active in her church and was on the alter guild over 50 years. She was a girl scout leader, a den mother, active in the Springfield Forest Women's Club and took care of Bob's mother for 18 years. She kept herself physically fit and was very active. She loved to travel with her brother Bob after he became a widower. She loved to garden and entertain her friends and family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother and friend and loved going to the family lake house on Smith Mountain Lake. She spent the last five years of her life at Sunrise of Springfield Assisted Living in the memory care unit. She was a beloved resident. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Edward Nelson, Jr., parents, Eugene B. Pedigo and Maye A. Pedigo, and brothers, Earl B. Pedigo, Robert D. Pedigo and William T. Pedigo. Jean is survived by her children, William C. Nelson and Rebecca M. Nelson, grandchildren, Nicholas R. Nelson and partner KateLyn Snoots, Brittany M. Ocasio (Tony), Robert B. Hatcher and partner Rachel Guntner, and W. Alexander Nelson (Brittany) and great-grandchildren, Riley B. Ocasio, Ryan A. Ocasio, Jackson R. Nelson, Jameson L. Nelson, and Marlee A. Nelson. Family and friends may gather at Jefferson Funeral Chapel on Saturday, December 3, 2022 from 6:00PM-8:00PM. A service will take place the following day at Saint Mark’s Lutheran Church at 2:00PM. A private graveside service will take place at Quantico National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation to St Mark's Lutheran Church or the Alzheimer's Association in Jean’s honor. Please view and sign the family guestbook at JeffersonFuneralChapel.com.

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Jean Pedigo Nelson

November 22, 1929 - November 24, 2022