Parthenia “Kathleen” Nelson

Parthenia “Kathleen” Nelson, 99, of Browns, Illinois, passed away on July 18, 2022 at the home of her son and daughter-in-law, Dwight and Renita Nelson.  She was born on July 27, 1922 in Browns, the daughter of Otis and Lena Myrtle (Roby) Lankford.  She married Elbert “Jr.” Nelson on August 4, 1940. He preceded her in death on January 5, 1980.

Kathleen was a member of the Browns United Methodist Church where she played the piano for 75 years.  She began playing the piano at a young age.  Included in her musical talent, she played for the Browns School Operetta beginning her 8 ^th grade year and continuing for many ensembles and accompaniments.  Kathleen was a homemaker, the wife of a farmer, mother and grandmother.  She and her late husband owned and operated the J.K. Farm Supply Store in Browns from 1962-1984.

Kathleen spent many hours in her kitchen where she enjoyed cooking and baking angel food cakes and blackberry cobblers for her family and church.  She also enjoyed gardening, canning and making cross-stitched quilts.  She will be remembered as a very strong and resilient woman growing up during the Great Depression era, losing her mother at a young age and her husband after 40 years of marriage.  She suffered a stroke in July of 2013 and remained in the care of her son, Dwight and daughter-in-law, Renita Nelson as she battled dementia until her death.

Kathleen will be remembered by her children, Carole (Andy) Krajec of Gales Ferry CT, Norma Keener of Houston TX, Dwight (Renita) Nelson of Browns IL, Karleen (Terry) Lambert of Albion IL and daughter-in-law Mona Nelson of Madison WI; eleven grandchildren, Russ Krajec, David Krajec, John Krajec, Michael (Teresa) Keener, Kevin Keener, Christina (Jamie) McCorkle, Teresa (Josh) McFarland, Rachel (Shawn) Nicholson, Rebekah (Alrick) Williams, Philip Lambert and Nicholas Lambert; seventeen great-grandchildren (one on the way); three great-great-grandchildren (one on the way).

Kathleen is preceded in death by her parents, husband, son Michael R. Nelson, brother Russell Roby Lankford sisters Mary Jane Racster and Ann Searby.

Memorials may be made to the Browns United Methodist Church.

Graveside services will be held at Antioch Cemetery, Cowling, IL,  on Wednesday, July 27th at 10:00am with casual dress. Service will be officiated by Pastor Gary Underwood.

Ingram Meridith Funeral Home, Albion, IL