Mother Olivia Douglas Nelson, 93, native and lifelong resident of Palatka, heard the welcoming voice of her Lord Jesus Christ on Thursday, August 17, 2023 at her residence, calling upon her to enter eternal rest while surrounded by her loving family. A native of Palatka, she was born on Wednesday, April 16, 1930 to John Douglas and Jimmy Lee Calhoun Wilson. She was educated at Central Academy, Palatka. She was an employee of the Howard and Mary Mullis family for over 30 years. Mother Nelson was united in marriage to Samuel Nelson on May 25, 1950. She dedicated her life to taking care of her family.  She was a former member of Mount Tabor First Baptist Church and later became a devoted member of Palatka Church of God by Faith, under the leadership of Elder N. R. Burney, Elder Phillip Thomas, and now Elder Akin Ross. She served as President of the local and district usher board and was a member of the senior choir and kitchen ministry. She also served as the mother of the church. Mother Nelson had a profound impact on the community. She was a resident of the north side homes for over 60 years. She was a neighborhood midwife, mother to all children and friend to countless. There was nothing that she wouldn't do for the people in her community. She was a God-fearing and faithful servant of God. What pleased her the most was doing the work of the Lord.

In addition to her parents and husband, Mother Nelson was preceded in eternal rest by her son, Arthur James Nelson; grandparents, Estella and James Calhoun; sister, Marion Smith; great grandson, Fred Maurice Nelson Jr.; niece, Denise Turner; nephew, Carlton Dell Smith; goddaughter, Chasity Johnson.

Those who treasure her memories: daughters, Queen (Johnny) Simmons, Patricia Hood, Tangia Nelson, Connie (Andrew) Burton and Tlisa Nelson- Ledbetter; sons, Leonard (Beatrice) Taylor, Samuel (Chenice) Nelson, and James Robert Nelson; sisters-in-law, Eva Buie, Georgia Green; brothers-in-law, Ike (Ira) Hill, James Hill; 35 grandchildren, 59 great grandchildren, 20 great great grandchildren; goddaughter, Katrina Myles; godson, Tyrek Anderson; "like a son," Kenneth Eubanks; "like a daughter," Sharina Eubanks; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends including best friend, Lucille Hutcherson; and the Canty, King, Horner, and Lamb families.