This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: WHL44 Surnames: NELSON, DELANEY, GRAY Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.michigan.counties.calhoun/4034/mb.ashx Message Board Post: NELSON, Shirley Jean Age 61 Of Battle Creek Passed away Wednesday, July 25, 2007 at home. Shirley was born in Battle Creek on February 8, 1946, the daughter of Edward and Ethel (Delaney) Gray. Those that were fortunate enough to have known Shirley will forever remember her vivacious spirit and keen sense of humor. A born nurturer, Shirley cared for countless friends, family members and animals. She would say that her greatest accomplishment in life was her son, Chad M. Nelson, who survives her. Whether it was hand-stitched Halloween costumes or the red wagon concession stand that accompanied every soccer game, Shirley excelled as a loving and supportive mom. She graduated from Battle Creek Central High School in 1964 and received her bachelor degree from Western Michigan University in 1970. Shirley later returned to Western Michigan University where she attained a Master in Occupational Therapy in 1990. She was most recently employed as a Medical Transcriptionist at Bronson Methodist Hospital. Shirley was preceded in ! death by her parents; and sister, Patricia Gray. She is survived by her son and his wife (her "new Spanish daughter"), Marisa Filgueras; and her brother, Dr. Douglas Gray. Her friends Jerry Lash and Linda Nelson, and ex-husband and friend, Rodney Nelson, were all instrumental in taking care of her in the past few weeks. Cremation has taken place. Family and friends will be invited to a celebration of her life at a later date. A memorial plaque will be placed at Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the Humane Society of South Central Michigan at 2500 Watkins Road, Battle Creek, MI 49015 or to SPCA of Southwest Michigan at PO Box 2676, Portage, MI 49081. The family is being served by Richard A. Henry Funeral Home, Battle Creek. Published in the Kalamazoo Gazette on 7/27/2007. (Posted by a VOLUNTEER-NO family connection) Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.