Obituary published on Legacy.com by Thomas McAfee Funeral Home - Downtown Chapel on Feb. 19, 2025.
We grieve the passing of Billie Jo Nelson, but we do not do so in deep sadness. Instead, we celebrate a life well lived, full of love, faith, and service. On February 14, 2025, after days of visiting with many family members, Billie Jo peacefully entered into the presence of her Savior, and we take comfort in knowing she is home at last.
Born in Birmingham, Alabama, on December 8, 1944, Billie Jo lived a life defined by love, service, and an unshakable optimism that touched everyone around her.
A devoted Christian, Billie Jo was a longtime member of Mauldin Methodist Church, where she not only found great joy in worship and fellowship but also dedicated her time and talents by serving on multiple finance and administrative committees. Her commitment to stewardship and service helped support and strengthen the church she loved so dearly.
She dedicated her career to making a difference in the lives of others, serving as the longtime head of Finance at United Way of Greenville County. Her leadership and commitment helped strengthen programs that supported those in need. Her heart for service extended across the world through her work with Full-Dimension Ministries, an organization dedicated to addressing human and spiritual needs in Tanzania.
Billie Jo was an eternal optimist. She had a remarkable gift for seeing the good in others and sharing that light with everyone she met. Whether through words of encouragement, an infectious smile, or a simple act of kindness, she uplifted those around her. Her belief in the best of people and the beauty of life was a guiding force that inspired countless lives.
She was preceded in death by her father, William Moon; her mother, Mildred Moon; and her beloved son, William Jay Nelson.
Billie Jo is survived by her loving sisters, Pat Pruitt, Cathie Busbin, and Teresa Leopard. She is also survived by her beloved son, Harry H. Nelson, II; and her cherished grandchildren, Anna Clara Longo of Jersey City, NJ, Cole Judge Nelson of Mooresville, NC, Corinne Flora Nelson of Raleigh, NC, Celie Nelson Stanley of Wake Forest, NC, Carolyn Joy McDill of Wake Forest, NC, Cherith Irene Nelson of Raleigh, NC, Hollyn Camille Nelson of
Greenville, SC, Joseph Liam Nelson of
Greenville, SC, Charles Hamilton Nelson of Wake Forest, NC, and Constance Elizabeth Nelson of Wake Forest, NC. She is also survived by her daughters-in-law, Pamela Gay Nelson of Wake Forest, NC, and Allison Nelson of
Greenville, SC.
Her legacy continues through her nine great-grandchildren, who will grow up hearing stories of their remarkable, adventurous, great-grandmother and the love she shared with the world.
A visitation will be held Thursday, February 27, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. until 1:45 p.m. followed by a Memorial service at 2:00 p.m. at Mauldin Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in her honor to Mauldin Methodist Church, 100 E Butler Rd. Mauldin, SC 29662.
Billie Jo Nelson's kindness, faith, and love touched many people. Though she will be deeply missed, we take comfort in knowing she is home with her Savior, where she will dwell in peace and joy for eternity.
Friends are encouraged to share their favorite memories of Billie Jo with the family by clicking on the button labeled "Share A Memory".