Rachel Kim Nelson

Funeral service will be at 11 Friday at Morgan Funeral Chapel. Pastor Jackey Connell and Dr. Harry Whitt will officiate. Burial will be in Noble Hill Cemetery.

Rachel is survived by her brother and sister, Jamie Nelson and Patti Jones; sister-in-law, Kay Nelson; her nieces and nephews, Jason Nelson, Justin (Anna) Nelson, Christy (Rodney) Phillips, Josh Nelson, and Amy (Jason) Gargus; her great nieces and great nephews, Rayley Nelson, Micayla Phillips, Addyson Phillips, Kendyl Nelson, Jalen Nelson, Nicole Nelson and Hunter Nelson. She is predeceased by her parents Gordon and Patsy Nelson; her brother Keith Nelson.

Rachel was born on July 7, 1968. She was the first member of her immediate family to graduate from college. She received her Associates Degree in Veterinary Technology from Snead State Community College in 1989 and her Doctorate of Veterinarian Medicine from Auburn University in 1996. After receiving her doctorate, Rachel completed her externship at Wildlife Safari in Winston, OR. She worked as a veterinarian in Las Vegas, NV; Huntsville; Vestavia; Hoover; and Birmingham. All of that experience led her to open her own veterinarian practice, Crossroads Animal Hospital in Moody in 2005. She was proud of her animal clinic and described owning it as her dream come true. She appreciated her staff and the pet families who trusted her to provide care for their babies.

Rachel was a life-long lover of animals and decided at a young age that she wanted to work as a veterinarian. From trying to save wounded wild life to adopting neighborhood strays, Rachel devoted her life to providing care to animals. She was the pet mother to 5 dogs and 3 cats. She has past served as the Jefferson County Veterinary Medical Association Treasurer. Her volunteer efforts related to animals included participating in Hand in Paw Therapy and Rotties and Notties Animal Rescue.

Rachel accepted Christ early in life and was an active church member at Eden Westside Baptist Church. She considered herself to be life-long learner and was an avid reader, particularly of books about Christian faith and spiritual well-being. As such, Rachel recently received her diploma of Biblical Studies from Samford University. Rachel had worked as a Third Grade Life Discovery Teacher, a Revelation Walk Ministry Actor and a leader of the Divorce Care Ministry at Eden Westside Baptist Church.

Rachel was a proud small business owner and had served as a St. Clair County Business Women’s Association Board Member.

Rachel’s other charitable work included serving as an American Cancer Society, Relay for Life Team Leader and Chairman and as a Team Leader for the March of Dimes, Walk America.

Rachel loved her alma mater and cheering for the Auburn tigers. She enjoyed road trips, traveling and driving her convertible. She also cherished time spent with family and friends.

Rachel will be deeply missed by her family, friends and all who knew her.

The family wishes to thank Rachel’s special friends Kati Higginbothom, Catherine Stuart Sweatt, Cathy Cobb, Charlie Bush, Barney Sewell, Dr. Chelsea Quick, Dr. Marie Rush and all of the staff at Crossroads Animal Hospital. Thanks to all of those who supported Rachel and those who have expressed words of encouragement to the family during our time of mourning.

Pallbearers will be Shannon Gray, Frank Leatherwood, David Leatherwood, Andrew Smith, L.J. Rosson, and Brad Sewell.

The family will receive friends Thursday from 6pm-8pm at Morgan Funeral Chapel.