Shirley Ann Nelson

Shirley was born on August 18, 1939 in Arlington, VT to Bessie L. (Jones) and Hershey G. Pease. She was raised on her family’s small village farm in East Arlington, VT along with her three older sisters; Elizabeth, Maxine and Emily. It was this upbringing that planted the seeds of a strong work ethic, love of farming, animals, gardening, country music and an unwavering love of family.
Shirley attended primary school in Sunderland, VT in a one room school house that was heated in the winter by a potbellied stove and the boys used to bring water in by the bucket. She then attended Arlington Memorial High School in Arlington, VT where she was affectionately known as “Toddy Anna” due to her quiet, soft nature and small stature. She was active in school activities such as the school newspaper and the yearbook. She achieved the Pro Merito and the American Agriculturist Foundation awards and graduated with the class of 1958.
After graduation, she attended schooling from WBZ-Boston to be a radio announcer. When that schooling was completed, she found it difficult to obtain a position so, undaunted, she changed direction and went to Kansas City, MO with her sister, Emily, to attend school to be a flight attendant. Shirley’s love of country music was no secret among those who knew her and so when she and her sister left Kansas City, they drove to Nashville to go to the Grand Ole Opry to see country music greats such as Buck Owens and Chet Atkins as well as to also go to the Ernest Tubb’s Record shop. She often mentioned, with a large smile and gleam in her eye, what great fun she had there. Once back at home, Shirley worked at Mack Molding in Arlington, VT. There were also a couple of years that she and Emily lived in California where they both had many wonderful adventures. Ever true Vermont girls, they decided to come home to Vermont where Shirley worked for Tansitor Electronics in Bennington, VT.
Shirley and her three sisters always shared a very close bond and in 1965 they, all together, bought their own little farmhouse in East Arlington, VT where they supported and loved each other while tending to their animals and farm.
In April of 1969 Shirley met the love of her life and soulmate, Melvin G. Nelson in Concord, NH while attending a church service at the Worldwide Church of God and were married on June 21, 1970 in Ryegate, Vt. Together they lovingly worked side by side on their farm where they created a warm home full of laughter, joy and love. As they traversed life’s ups and downs, their love never dimmed or wavered, only strengthened and after 55 years, their faces still beamed with joy, pride and happiness when they saw one another.
During all her life changes and adventures, one thing that never changed was her strong faith and devotion to the Lord. She often attended church conferences before marriage and continued after marriage. She and her husband, Melvin, traveled all over the United States attending conferences and holidays with the Worldwide Church of God. Their shared faith and devotion to God is not only what brought them together but was the glue that held them during the hard times and the grace that brought them joy for 55 wonderful years.
She is survived by her husband, Melvin G. Nelson and numerous nieces, nephews and friends whom she loved deeply. She was predeceased by her parents, Bessie and Hershey Pease, her sisters Elizabeth M. Pease, Maxine L. Olin (Pease) and Emily M. Pease.
She was lovingly laid to rest where she was happiest – her home. A Celebration of life is still to be determined