Etta Mae Nelson

CHELSEA—Etta Mae Nelson, 92, died early Monday morning, April 2, 2007 at Central Vermont Medical Center in Berlin.

She was born April 30, 1914 in Corinth, the daughter of Carroll and Hattie (Powers) Childs. When she was three, she was adopted by Clarence and Elsie (Dickinson) Grant and went to live in Vershire, where she attended school.

She married Edwin C. "Eddie" Nelson February 23, 1935, and they lived their entire married life in Vershire. Along with raising her children, she enjoyed helping her husband take care of the Vershire Cemetery.

Next to her family, the church was the center of her life. She was a devoted and active member, having served as a Sunday School teacher at the Vershire Church for over 60 years. She also served on many committees and helped with all kinds of church functions.

She was a member of the Vershire Historical Society, and she enjoyed gardening, quilting and especially taking care of children. Having her home full of friends and family always made her happy. Baking pies, doughnuts, making bread were all things she liked to do.

She was predeceased by her husband, who died March 6, 2000; a daughter, Sylvia Palmer, who died March 4, 2006; a son, David E. Nelson, who died in 1999; and two brothers, Owen Childs and Glen Childs.

Survivors include a daughter, Elsie Burbank of Chelsea; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two adopted brothers, Edward Grant of Vershire and Fred Grant of Groton; two adopted sisters, Helen Sawyer of White River Jct. and Marsha Hathaway of Bradford; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, April 10, at 2 p.m. at the Vershire Bible Church on Rte. 113 in Vershire, conducted by Pastor Gary Rhodes. Burial will follow at a later date in the Vershire Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Vershire Bible Church, Vershire, Vt. 05079.

Services are under the direction of the Boardway & Cilley Funeral Home on Main Street in Chelsea.

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