Martha "Alice" Nelson

Martha “Alice” Nelson, age 96 of Mattoon, IL passed away on Thursday, February 22, 2024, at Mattoon Rehabilitation and Health Care Center. A funeral service in her honor will be held at 10: 00 AM, Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at First United Methodist Church, 1601 Charleston Avenue, Mattoon, IL 61938; Reverend Todd Krost and Reverend Ron Dickinson will officiate. A committal service will immediately follow in Rest Haven Memorial Gardens in Mattoon, IL. A visitation will be held Tuesday evening, February 27, 2024, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home, 1200 Wabash Avenue, Mattoon, IL 61938. Alice was born on March 27, 1927, in Mattoon, IL to the late Horace E. and Mary (Williams) Champion. She married Albert “Leo” Nelson on March 10,1946 in the house she grew up in. Leo passed away on October 7, 1995. She is survived by three children, Bonnie Paszkiewicz of Highland, IL, Gregory “Nic” Nelson and wife Kathleen of Normal, IL Bill Nelson and wife Connie of Bethany, IL; fourteen grandchildren; thirty-one great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; one brother, David Champion of Gays, IL. She is preceded by one son, Darwyn Nelson; one brother, Richard Champion; one son-in-law, Larry Paszkiewicz; and one daughter-in-law, Ila Nelson. Alice was employed at JC Penny’s in Mattoon, IL as a seamstress for forty years before her retirement. She later worked as a hostess at Comfort Suites in Mattoon, IL. She was a devout and active member of First United Methodist Church and belonged to the Women’s Society of First Methodist Church. She was a member of Moultrie County Home and Community Education and Governor Edward Coles-Sally Lincoln Daughter of American Revolution Mattoon Chapter. Alice was also an election judge for over sixty years. As a 4-H leader for thirty years, Alice attended countless Illinois State Fairs where she became known as “The Candy Lady” and won numerous awards for sweets. This was a hobby she shared with her family and friends and loved to give others her treats. Alice had ties to Lake Land Community College in Mattoon, IL. She housed many students from the John Deere Program and Women’s Softball team. She endearingly coined the team “grandma” since she made many delicious dinners and treasured relationships over the years. Alice truly touched the lives of many people. Her vivacious personality, selfless acts of kindness, and friendly smiles will be lovingly remembered. Memorials in her honor may be made to Lake Land College Foundation/John Deere Tech Program, 5001 Lake Land Boulevard, Mattoon, IL 61938. Please visit www.mitchell-jerdan.com or www.facebook.com/mitchelljerdanfuneralhome to light a virtual candle in her honor or share a memory with the family.

Tributes

Martha "Alice" Nelson

March 27, 1927 - February 22, 2024