Vera Lynn Nelson, 64, passed away on December 26, 2020 at Methodist Unitypoint in Peoria, IL. She was born on July 22, 1956 in Peoria to Edward & Nelodean Horsley. She was preceded in death by her father and her brother-in-law, Jeff Glover.
Vera is survived by her daughter, Dana Nelson, and her granddaughter Alexa (Lexi) Nelson of Peoria; her mother, Nelodean Horsley of East Peoria, and three siblings: Barb (Dave) Cordry of Little Rock, Arkansas; Rose (Mark) Diekevers of Washington, IL; Steve (Marj) Horsley of Peoria, IL, and many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.
Vera graduated from East Peoria Community High School, and then studied Child Development at Illinois Central College. Vera enjoyed many jobs through her lifetime, last working as an administrative assistant at Bradley University. She made friends everywhere, and her Bradley friends were some of her dearest.After she suffered a stroke that limited her physical abilities, she could not work any longer, but that didn’t stop Vera from wanting to help and encourage others in any way she could. Her infectious smile, positive attitude, and selflessness shone through in everything she did. She had strong faith, and God filled her with hope and perseverance. She served for a time as a children’s teacher for Community Bible Study, where the children loved riding on her scooter with her. She helped teach her sister’s third graders how to play Scrabble and make cookies. She especially enjoyed her hobby of making cards, sending them out, and even sharing bundles of them for others to use. She was truly a shining light in this world! Vera attended East Peoria Church of Christ when she lived with her mom, and in recent years Northwoods Community Church.
Most of all Vera loved her family. She was so proud of her daughter, Dana, and her granddaughter, Lexi, who brought her so much joy. She also spent several days every week with her mom, visiting and playing games together. She and her mom had a special friendship, and Vera was the best at looking out for her needs. Her niece wrote, “We lost a beautiful member of our family today. Aunt Vera had the best laugh, made the best rolls, and was always up for a good game of Scrabble. Most importantly she knew and loved Jesus, so now she is healthy and free in His presence! We rejoice for her, but we are sad and feel her loss greatly. But we grieve with hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18), because as our pastor Cal Rychener says, “she’s not gone, she has just gone ahead.”
Due to Covid-19 restrictions cremation rites have been accorded and there will be no public services at this time. A celebration of Vera’s life will be at a later date. Remmert Funeral Home in East Peoria is in charge of arrangements.
You may view Vera’s obituary online at www.remmertfuneralhome.com
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18