Carolyn Jean Nelson

Published October 15, 2019 at 11:14 PM

Carolyn Jean Nelson, 73, of Duluth, passed away of natural causes on Friday, October 11, 2019.

Carolyn was born to Chester and Dixie Williams on October 22, 1945 in Nevada, MO. Her father was in the Army which meant her family moved around the Midwest every few years throughout her childhood. The family was also stationed internationally in Panama and France. Carolyn later graduated with honors from Westport High School in Kansas City, MO. After high school she attended beauty school. While working as a beautician and managing a salon, she put herself through college at the University of Missouri Kansas City where she earned a degree in teaching. She later returned to school at the University of Kansas and obtained her master’s in education.

While teaching elementary school in Kansas City, she met her husband Paul to whom she was happily married for 36 years. Immediately after they were married, they moved to Duluth, MN so that Paul could pursue a new career in finance. Carolyn continued to teach and administrate at Lakeview Christian Academy. Throughout her years of teaching, she inspired many students. In 1985 Paul and Carolyn had a daughter, Stephanie. At that time she retired from teaching and devoted her life to being a great mother and loving wife. In addition to being a homemaker, she had a passion for decorating and gardening.

Carolyn was a kind, thoughtful woman with a heart for God. She could regularly be found reading her Bible, spending time in prayer, or watching Christian broadcasting. She enjoyed the weekly bible study and discipleship groups she participated in and deeply cherished the friendships she developed.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband, Paul; parents; sister, Patty; brother, Chester; father-in-law, Leroy; and sister-in-law, Pat.

Carolyn is survived by her daughter, Stephanie (Andy) McKinnon of Duluth; sister, Marinell of Rockport, MA; mother-in-law, Joan; brothers-in-law, Wayne (Linda) and John, all of Willmar, MN; nieces, nephews, and friends.

VISITATION: 10 am on Saturday, October 19th at The Water’s Edge Church, 2202 W. 3rd St., with funeral service to follow at 11 am. Interment at Oneota Cemetery.

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