Marian Grace Tawes Nelson, 102, of Crisfield, Maryland died Sunday, May 7, 2017 at Alice Byrd Tawes Nursing Home.

Marian set a new longevity record for the Nelson and Tawes families by gracing our lives for precisely 102.15 years.  She was a stickler for things such as dates, times and numbers and was well known for keeping meticulous records.   So, it is only befitting that we be accurate with her years spent with us.  Marian prided herself on the fact that she was able to live independently at home until the age of 98.

Marian was also quick to let you know what she liked and what she did not like.  She would freely express her thoughts and opinions for all in the room to hear, such as "you do not need that extra piece of cake or you need a haircut."  She was well known for her ability to whip up a meal at a moment's notice, particularly her crab cakes (secret being claw meat, finely diced green peppers and a squirt of yellow mustard) and her potato salad.  She delivered a myriad of meals in her early years to elderly church members and friends before Meals on Wheels came to fruition.

Born in Crisfield on March 12, 1915, she was the daughter of the late Isaac George and Sadie Webb Tawes.  She was predeceased in death by her beloved husband, Lorenzo Ed Nelson, who passed away in 2008.  She also outlived her brothers Stanley, Creston, Reginald, Elwath and sisters Martha, Mary, and Josephine.

A graduate and last surviving member of the Crisfield High School class of 1931, she worked as an administrative assistant for the Somerset County Department of Social Services, retiring in 1980.

She was a life member of the First Baptist Church of Crisfield and the former Chesapeake Chapter #28 O.E.S.

She is survived by two sons, Nick E. Nelson of Tampa, Florida and George P. Nelson of Centreville, Maryland.  She also leaves behind three grandchildren, Bryant, Amelia, and Elizabeth Nelson as well as several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to recognize her longtime caregivers, Lottie Matthews and Carolyn Landon. Both women held a special place in her heart and whenever they entered the room they would get a smile from her that only could be surpassed by the presentation of a Hershey chocolate bar.

A graveside funeral service and interment officiated by the Rev. Jack "Tad" Maroon will be held on Friday, May 12, 2017 at 1 PM at Sunnyridge Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Baptist Church, 1 S. Somerset Avenue, Crisfield, Maryland   21817.

To send condolences, please visit www.bradshawandsonsfuneralhome.com