Gearldean "Dena" Nelson

Mildred Gearldean "Dena" Nelson, age 91, went to be with Our Lord on May 14, 2026. She was born on April 8, 1935.

Dena was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gus Nelson; her daughter, Patricia Payne, and her daughter in law, Vickie Nelson.

She married the love of her life, Gussie Arrants Nelson, on January 2, 1954 and they built a beautiful life and family. She is survived by her children Charles Nelson, Daniel and Cindy Nelson, Robert Nelson and Jo Dickinson, Tywanna and Phil Adams as well as Janet and Jason Morgan.


She was a proud grandmother to Tony Hasty, Joshua Nelson, Autmn Keith, Dustan Nelson, Brandon Nelson, Justin Nelson, Larina Clayton, Dena Osborne, and Damian Monroy. She loved and cherished her 15 great grandchildren and her 7 great-great grandchildren.

Dena was a hardworking, God-fearing woman who loved her husband, children, friends, and family with all of her heart. She spent her life taking care of others and will be deeply missed by so many. Dena enjoyed fishing, embroidery, and most of all spending time talking with her friends and her family.

She loved her nieces and nephews as her own. Dena had so many friends and family. Know that she loved you all very much.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, May 16 from 11:00am-1:00pm at the Athens Chapel at Companion Funeral Home with a funeral service starting at 1:00pm. A graveside service and a burial will follow at Westview Cemetery in Sweetwater.

You are invited to share a personal memory of Mildred Gearldean "Dena" Nelson or your condolences with her family at her online memorial located at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral Home of Cleveland and the Cody family are honored to assist the Nelson family with these arrangements.