Beth A. Nelson

Beth A. Nelson, 93, of Little Rock, passed away peacefully on September 29, 2025. She was born December 28, 1931, in Houston, Texas, to Vera Adelaide House Nelson and William A. Nelson. Arriving just after Christmas, she was fondly remembered as a belated holiday gift to her older sister and three brothers.

Beth was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Muriel Hill; her brothers William C. Nelson, David Nelson, and Martin Nelson; two nieces, two nephews, and one great-nephew.

She is survived by her daughter, Laurie Nelson Arnold of Little Rock; nieces Michelle Funderburgh, Lauren Ybarra (Cissie), Heather Senter (Brandt), Ashley Grebstad (Anders), Mickey Ramsey (Marion), and Karen Hall; nephews Brian Nelson and Mike Hill (Carrie); along with nine great-nieces and six great-nephews.

A lifelong learner and devoted educator, Beth graduated two years early from Clinton High School in 1948 and earned her Bachelor of Science in Education from Arkansas Tech University in 1964. She began her career teaching 4th and 5th grade at Jefferson Elementary in Little Rock, where her passion for children was evident. While teaching, she tutored at the Methodist Children's Home.

In the mid-1960s, Beth was invited to serve as Director of Social Services at the Methodist Children's Home. During her ten years there, she earned her Master of Social Work from UALR, deepening her expertise in caring for children and families. In 1971, she fulfilled her dream of motherhood by adopting her daughter, Laurie.

In 1978, Beth began a new chapter as the counselor at Baptist Health Schools of Nursing & Allied Health. For more than 30 years, she guided and supported countless students, offering wisdom, encouragement, and a listening ear until her retirement in 2009. Her dedication to service and education earned her widespread recognition and admiration.

Beth received many honors for her service, including the Channel 7 Amazing Spirit Award, the Baptist Health John A. Gilbreath Award for Distinguished Service, and Volunteer of the Year from the American Lung Association of Arkansas. She also proudly served three terms as President of the Baptist Health Little Rock Auxiliary.

Beth loved traveling, and she and Laurie shared many adventures across the country and around the world. Known for her warmth, humor, and wisdom, she never met a stranger and became a surrogate mother and aunt to many. Her life was defined by love, service, and an unshakable commitment to others.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund or Alzheimer's Arkansas.

Her daughter extends special thanks to Wendy Holleman, Tommi Holleman, Tosha Hartman, Charlotte Butler and her team at Charlotte's Home Care, and hospice nurse Joan Carder for their loving care during Beth's battle with vascular dementia.