Selma E. Nelson

Beaumont native Selma E. Nelson died peacefully at Calder Woods on March 15, 2016. She was 97. Selma graduated from Beaumont High School and received an Associates Degree from Lamar Junior College. Upon graduation she worked in a dentist’s office, then later took a shorthand and typing course and secured employment with the Kirby Lumber Company in Silsbee. After several years she started working for United Gas and stayed with the company for more than 25 years. She was transferred to the Houston office for five years, then retired and returned to Beaumont.
Selma traveled extensively with her two sisters, both domestically and abroad. She enjoyed visiting other countries, especially visiting relatives in Sweden. Selma was a longtime and very active member of the former Westminster Presbyterian Church, singing in the chancel choir and teaching Sunday School for many years. When Westminster closed she transferred to St. Andrews Presbyterian Church.
Selma was also a longtime volunteer at Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital and at Some Other Place. While Selma retained a sense of personal dignity and propriety, she will be remembered for her warm smile and quick hug for all whom she met. She was a dear and loyal friend to many and deeply loved her far-flung extended family.
Selma was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters Disa Marie and Cornelia; her brother C. Ellis, and her niece Joy Nelson. She is survived by her nephew Ellis Stark Nelson (Ronnee) of Wake Forest, NC and their son Brian; and by her niece Karin Nelson McAnlis (Jack) of Pennington, NJ and their children Nancy, Ian and Carolyn.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Claybar Kelley-Watkins Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, March 30, 2016 at 2:00pm. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Andrew Presbyterian Church (1350 N. 23rd St. Beaumont, TX) or Calder Woods (7080 Calder Ave, Beaumont, TX).