Joyce Wilson Nelson

February 10, 1930 - December 25, 2023 Joyce W. Nelson of Palos Verdes, CA, passed away peacefully on December 25, surrounded by her beloved family. She was 93 years old.
Born and raised in Los Angeles by her parents, Gwynn and Marion Wilson, Joyce graduated from Pomona College ('52) and married the love of her life, Harry L. Nelson, Jr., one year later. After working to put Harry through law school, she devoted her early married life to raising their four children and ever-present beagles. Life with Lonny was "never dull," as travel adventures punctuated their family life, starting with houseboating, sailing and motorhome trips all over the country. As empty nesters, Joyce and Harry continued their passion for travel with African safaris and cruises around the world. For the last 25 years, Joyce generously shared her love of travel by regularly hosting three generations of family on trips abroad. These shared experiences fostered close family relationships that are an important part of her lasting legacy.
Over the years, Joyce was an active volunteer at her children's schools and the local public library, and she also helped found a local garden club. Inspired by her father's long affiliation with USC, Joyce was a Trojan football fan to the core, and she loved the Dodgers whether "her team" won or lost.
After the children were grown, Joyce and Harry developed a passion for maritime history and art. The people they met through exploring and collecting became treasured lifelong friends. After Harry's death in 2002, Joyce continued to build the Nelson Maritime Arts Foundation, which includes works ranging from early Dutch Masters to contemporary maritime artists, as well as bone ship models. Most of the collection is housed in the Channel Islands Maritime Museum in Oxnard, where Joyce and Harry were valued patrons.
Joyce will be remembered for how she loved to connect with people, for her genuine kindness, and for her unwavering strength. She will be profoundly missed by three generations of family, including her children: Anne Nelson, Nancy Nelson Davis (d) (George Davis), Susan Nelson Adamsen (William Adamsen), and Hunt Nelson (Ann Thompson Nelson); her nine grandchildren and their spouses, and five great-granddaughters.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joyce's memory to the Channel Islands Maritime Museum. The family will be hosting a celebration of Joyce's life on February 10 in Los Angeles. Friends may email nelson.anne2@gmail.com for more information.