Martha Nelson Obituary

Born Martha Carole Jacob on December 18, 1942, in Battle Creek, Michigan to Henry Jacob and Marjorie Black Jacob, died on July 7, 2025 at the age of 82 after a long bout with Alzheimer's.
In the summer of 1972 while living in Augusta, GA, Marty met LT. James A. Nelson, who was stationed at Ft. Gordon, GA, and they were married on October 21, 1972. She is survived by her husband of nearly 53 years, now the Rev. Dr. Jim Nelson, her children: Brock Nelson of Atlanta, Angelia Nelson Drew (Tim) of Cincinnati, Michael Nelson of Cincinnati, and Jennifer Nelson Arnberger (Brian) of Atlanta; her grandchildren, Anthony Nelson, Caitlin Drew, Callie Drew, Jacob Arnberger, and Barrett Arnberger; a brother Tommy Jacob of San Diego, CA, and a sister Kathy Jacob Eberhardt of Battle Creek, MI. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother David Jacob all of Battle Creek, MI.
Marty graduated from St. Philip Catholic School in Battle Creek; in 1993 she received a certificate in Lay Pastoral Ministry in the Roman Catholic Church from the Athenaeum of Ohio, a Catholic seminary in Cincinnati; in 1994 an Associate Degree from Northern Nevada Community College; and in 1999 a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fiber from the Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah. She worked most of her life as a secretary for the Federal Government and for several legal firms. She was a prolific knitter, having knitted hundreds of sweaters, a quilter, and a weaver. She was a member of the Camellia Society and propagated over a hundred camellias most of which are in her yard.
She was an excellent mother and grandmother. Probably her greatest joy in life was being able to attend their many athletic events. She was one of those people who "showed-up" for everything in her children's and grandchildren's lives she could. You always knew when she was there because you could hear her "cheering" from the stands.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Smile Train. Marty was born with a cleft lip and was always supportive of their work.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 11:00am, at the Mountain Park United Methodist Church, 1405 Rockbridge Rd., Stone Mountain, GA. A reception will follow in the Family Life Center.
Online condolences may be left at www.billheadfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements by Bill Head Funeral Home & Crematory Lilburn/Tucker Chapel. 770-564-2726