Helen Arlene Nelson

Helen Arlene Nelson, 79, peacefully entered her eternal Home with the Lord Jesus, on March 24, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Helen Arlene Burns was born October 9th, 1946, in Fairhaven, Vermont, to Frank and Edna Burns. She was the sixth child of 9, with 5 sisters and 3 brothers. She grew up on a farm with no electricity or indoor plumbing. She always spoke fondly of all of her siblings and she loved each of them dearly. She was very close to her mother Edna, who she deeply loved. Helen graduated from Fairhaven Union High School in 1964, followed by one-year at Albany Business College, before moving to Daytona Beach, Florida, where she would meet the love of her life, local fisherman Paul Gerhard Nelson. After a year-long courtship, they made a commitment of marriage before God at St. Paul's Catholic Church.

Soon after their marriage, Paul and Helen would begin building a family, beginning with first-born son Paul Jr., then Michael, David and Mark. Not long after, their niece Virginia would join the family and they raised her as their only daughter.

Following the devastating loss of her son Phillip Anthony and her mother, Edna, Helen experienced a time in her life, which she called "The darkest night of my soul." This is when she would meet the Lord Jesus during a nighttime encounter with the Holy Spirit represented in a ball of Fire. Helen surrendered her life and became a shining light in the lives of all who knew her.

Helen was a woman of strong faith who loved the Lord deeply and lived her life to share His love with others. Her greatest joy was leading people to Jesus, through her words, her kindness, and the way she lived, always led by the Holy Spirit.

Helen made a lasting impact on many family and friends as she led them into saving faith. She prayed continuously, loved generously, and never stopped trusting in God's plan.

Throughout her life, she walked closely with God, trusting Him in every season. Her faith was not only something she spoke about-it was something she lived out daily. Whether through her kindness, intercession, or acts of service, she reflected the unconditional love to family, friends, and even strangers - which her boys can attest as they encountered many unfamiliar visitors, welcomed by an open-door policy. This was the heart of her ministry and she never missed an opportunity to tell others about the One who changed her life, Jesus.

While our hearts are broken, we find peace in knowing Helen is now in the presence of the Savior, Who she served with everything. Her legacy of faith and the seeds she planted will continue to live on, inside and outside our family, for generations. When Helen transitioned into the presence of the Lord, we are all certain she heard, "well done My good and faithful servant."

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Edna Burns; son Phillip Anthony; sister Betty Lanning and husband Ray Lanning; sister Nancy Thompson and husband Tom Thompson; brother-in-law Richard Hughes; and granddaughter Ashley Graham.

Helen is survived by her husband of 60 years, Paul; along with her children, Virginia Allen, Paul (Tonya) Nelson, Michael (Kelly) Nelson, David (Chasity) Nelson and Mark (Beth) Nelson; She was proud of her 12 grandchildren Heather (Raymond) Davis, Courtney Edwards, Paul Nelson IV, Kyle Nelson, Chantelle (Ty) Johnston, Adam (Corey) Nelson, Bailey (Adon) Jones, David Nelson II, Katie Nelson, Richard (Becky) Harrelson, Will Harrelson and Jimmy Harrelson; 12 great-grandchildren Richie, Hunter, James, Benji and Alex Harrelson, along with Landon and Lawson Davis, Iona Johnston, in addition to Karli Jean, Paul V, Brooks and Luke Nelson. She is also survived by her sisters, Patricia Hughes, Mary O'Dell, Frances Hencken, and brothers Michael Burns, Robert (Becky) Burns and John Burns; along with many nieces and nephews.

A family hosted Celebration of Life is being planned for a later date, details will be announced once confirmed.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to any of Helen's preferred charities-Samaritan's Purse, Hospice of Volusia, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Tunnels to Towers, or make a gift to a family or friend in need.