Cornelia Ruth (Bible) Nelson, 86, of Franklin passed away Feb. 7, 2025, at Grant Memorial Hospital in Petersburg.
She was born Nov. 29, 1938, a daughter of the late George W. and Ethel Mae (Beverage) Bible.
A Christian, Mrs. Nelson was a member of the former Harper Chapel United Methodist Church.
She was also a homemaker and a typical farm girl who raised sheep, cattle, chickens, and loved horses — her favorite being “Pal.” In the spring, she produced and sold maple syrup, and in the summer, she would mow, rake, and bale hay. Additionally, she loved gardening, canning, and providing food to her family throughout the year.
She had been employed with Hanover Shoe Company as well as Marshall’s.
She enjoyed watching her boys play ball in their youth and always stressed to them the importance of education and hard work. Many will recall how she faithfully helped her children and stood by them. She was well known throughout the community for her strong work ethic and for being strong-willed. Above all, she will be remembered as a caring wife, mother, and grandmother who also helped to raise her grandchildren.
Her husband, Raymond Wilson Nelson, preceded her in death.
Surviving are five sons, Wayne Wilson Nelson and wife, Debbie, Jerry Lee Nelson and wife, June, Charles Eugene Nelson and wife, Marsha, and Kenny Wade Nelson and wife, Carla Folks, all of Franklin and Donald “Lynn” Nelson and wife, Kathy of Moyers; a daughter, Cassandra King and husband, Ryan of Bridgewater, Virginia; 14 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; a great-great-grandchild; and sisters, Ruby Munch of Florida, Joyce Ann Swisher of Verona, Virginia, and Jenny Butler of Front Royal, Virginia.
She was also preceded in death by sisters, Phyllis Brady, Nola Williams and Patty Crane; and a brother, Forrest Bible.
A funeral service was held Monday at Obaugh Funeral Home in McDowell, Virginia, with pastors Paul Schafer and Angela Lambert officiating. Interment followed at Blue Grass Cemetery in Blue Grass, Virginia.
Pallbearers included Noah Nelson, Seth Davis, Jared Nelson, Bryttian Depue, Adam Nelson, Abe Nelson, Aaron Nelson, and Tyler Folks-Nelson.
Memorial contributions may be made Blue Grass Cemetery, 3042 Blue Grass Valley Road, Blue Grass, VA 24413.
Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.obaughfuneralhome.com.
