Jan. 20, 1936 — Sept. 2, 2014

Jayneth Loretta Nelson, 78, of Vandalia, died peacefully Tuesday afternoon, Sept. 2, in the presence of her family in The Timbers of Cass County, Dowagiac.

On Jan. 20, 1936, twin girls, Jayneth Loretta and Jaqueline Elaine, were born to Irving and Cora Wilkes of Chicago, Illinois. They were the only two children of their parents. They were raised and schooled in Altgeld Gardens, a housing community on the far south side of 130th and Old Doty Roads. Jan and Jackie attended Carver Public Schools.

Jan married Harold Nelson Sr. and moved to Vandalia, Michigan in 1958. He preceded her in death. In 1980, she gave her life to the Lord and became an active member of Vandalia Church of God.

Jan worked for Simplicity Pattern Company in Niles, Michigan for 32 years. After retiring she continued to occupy her time working for the Mayor of Vandalia, Sandra Ursery, Cass County Council on Aging and Lakeland Health Systems (AARP).

Jan leaves to cherish her fond memories, three loving sons, Phillip (Wanda) Harvey, Jr., Harold Nelson, Jr., and Jerome (Carla) Nelson, all of Vandalia; 17 grandchildren, C.J. (Brooke), Michelle, Daniel, Harold, Shaiana, Char’Da, Raymond, Kegan, Bradley, Stephen, Nicole, Kyle, Joseph, Diane, Nikitas, Jeri, Olivia; several great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by one daughter, Diane Nelson; one son, Angelo Wilkes; and one sister, her twin, Jackie Bryant.

Jan leaves with you her love for all reasons.

Bye Bye.

Family and friends will gather Friday, Sept. 5, 2014, from 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m. in Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, 202 North Broadway Street, Cassopolis, with the Reverend Rayvon Bufkin officiating. There will be a Wake Service at 10:30 a.m. for a time of sharing remembrances. Nelson will be laid to rest in Prospect Hill Cemetery, Cassopolis.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, Cassopolis. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.