Josephine Ellen Nelson, 83, of Crisfield, passed away Thursday, July 14, 2016 at Alice Byrd Tawes Nursing Home.

Born in Crisfield on October 7, 1932, she was the only child of George Washington Solomon "Sol" Nelson and Gwendolyn Bennett Nelson. Her husband, Arlie L. Nelson, preceded her in death on January 24, 1993.

She was a graduate of Crisfield High School class of 1949, and attended Salisbury State Teacher's College. She worked as a telephone operator for the former C&P Telephone Company, was co-owner of the former E & N Restaurant, and most recently a cook for many years at Gordon's Confectionery.

Affectionately known as "Miss Jo" or "Mom-Mom Jo", she was a member of Immanuel United Methodist Church where she was a former member of the senior choir. She was also a member of the Stanley Cochrane Post #16 American Legion Auxiliary, and former member of the McCready Hospital Jr. Auxiliary Board. She enjoyed spending time with her best friends "The Golden Girls", and playing cards with her Bridge and Pinochle Clubs. She loved going out to dinner, cooking family dinners, playing piano, reading, painting by numbers, front porch sitting, and a good cup of coffee. Most of all, she cherished spending time with her family and she will be fondly remembered by all who knew her for her quick wit and sense of humor.

She is survived by four children, Bonnie Bradshaw and husband Bobby, Lewis Nelson and wife Phyllis, Doug Nelson and wife Linda, all of Crisfield, and Beth Whitelock and husband Craig of Marion Station; four granddaughters, Mary Beth Bradshaw, Lindsay Atkins and husband Mark, Bobbie Lynn Tyler and husband Deric, all of Crisfield, and Joelle Whitelock of Marion Station; four step-grandchildren, Amy Todd and husband George "Toddie", Robin Daniels, Kelly Reese and husband Lance, and Ryan Dize, all of Crisfield; her great-grandchildren, Lainie and Dusti-Kate Pruitt, Ben, Audrey, Miranda and Noel Atkins, Jaxon and Jett Tyler, Alex and Samantha Todd, and Elijah and Emory Daniels; her sister-in-law, Betty Rose Ferrell of Tyler, TX; several cousins; and a host of many special friends.

In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by a grandson, Jonah Whitelock.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, July 19, 2016 at 2 PM at Bradshaw & Sons Funeral Home where a viewing will be one hour prior. Pastors Steve Willing, Bob Daniels and Paul Holland will officiate. Interment will be in Sunnyridge Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Tawes Nursing Home, 201 Hall Highway, Crisfield, MD 21817; Immanuel U. M. Church Memorial Fund, c/o Robert H. Bradshaw, Jr., 306 W. Main Street, Crisfield, MD 21817; Coastal Hospice, P.O. Box 1733, Salisbury, MD 21802-1733; or a favorite charity.

To send condolences, please visit www.bradshawandsonsfuneralhome.com