Dr. Bertha Euell Nelson
January 22, 1926- August 12, 2021
Dr. Bertha Mabel Euell Nelson of St. Louis Missouri, a loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother and friend passed away at the age of 95 on Thursday, August 12, 2021. She was born January 22, 1926 in St. Louis to the late Daniel Webster Euell and Beatrice Woods Euell. She was the fourth of five children.
Dr. Nelson was educated in the St. Louis Public schools and attended Marshall and Turner Elementary and Sumner High School where she was a member of the National Honor Society, graduating in 1943. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Education from Harris Teacher’s College, graduating with honors. She was endlessly passionate about learning. She later earned a Master’s Degree in Education from St. Louis University and subsequently a Doctorate in Education with a concentration in Quantitative Methodology also from St. Louis University.
Bertha married the love of her life, Clarence Nelson on June 18, 1947. From this union five children were born: Rosalind Nelson, Clarence “Mashon” Nelson, Julie Nelson, Steven Nelson and Ricky Nelson. She and “Nelson” as she called him, shared nearly 65 years of marriage, dreaming, planning, working together, supporting each other in their endeavors, and educating their children to be happy, productive and caring individuals.
Bertha was a homemaker for a number of years, ensuring that her children were given priority in order to give them a strong foundation. She began her career outside the home as a caseworker at the St. Louis City Welfare Department. She loved her work and she excelled, earning several promotions.
She later became an elementary school teacher in the St. Louis Public Schools. Her students loved her and many have kept up with her throughout her life. Bertha served as a psychological examiner and later became a licensed psychologist in the state of Missouri, becoming the first African-American psychologist to be hired at the Special School District of St. Louis County. She was later appointed by the Governor of Missouri and the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education as a consultant for school desegregation to four states including Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska and Kansas.
Bertha was one of a kind. She was an amazing woman who motivated, inspired, and challenged her family members each day. She always taught her children and grandchildren to be their best. She was a source of encouragement and she led by example, word and deed. Bertha was known for her bright smile and gleaming eyes which exuded love and acceptance. She loved a good laugh and lit up a room when she entered. Her home was open to all and was always ready to set an extra plate for anyone who popped in.
Bertha carried herself with elegance and grace and she was always “dressed to the nines” with lots of bling.
One of her favorite sayings was, “Today is the first day of the rest of your life” and she lived her life fully, making each day count!
Bertha’s greatest joy was her family and she loved them unconditionally, guiding each one with patience, wisdom and love. She was a woman of strength and steadfast determination and she passed those qualities to her children.
She loved to shop and dine out, and she was always ready for an outing.
Bertha was a Christian who gave her life to the Lord at an early age and she lived her life according to those principles. She loved attending her home church- Friendly Temple Church.
Her professional affiliations were the Missouri Education Association, the National Education Association, the Missouri Association of School Psychologists, the Council of Exceptional Children, the Black Psychological Association, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, St. Louis Chapter, Kappa Delta Phi Honor Society, State Committee of Psychologists, and the State Board of Registration for the Healing Arts of Missouri.
She received numerous honors, awards and recognitions as an educator and a community servant.
Bertha is preceded in death by her parents Lieutenant Daniel Webster Euell, Sr. and Beatrice Woods Euell; devoted husband Clarence Nelson, loving son Clarence Mashon (Patricia) Nelson, sisters Gladys Euell and Jeanette Clark and brothers Daniel Euell and Joseph Euell.
She leaves to cherish her memory her children, Rosalind Nelson, Julie Nelson (Michael) Middleton, Steven (Donna) Nelson, and Rick (Stephanie) Nelson.
Her treasured memory will live on in her Grandchildren, Great-Grandchildren and Great-Great- Grandchildren:
Ronda Williams, Tausha Howard, Kimberly (Terrance) Gray, Michael (Teneka) Middleton, Marc (Catherine) Middleton, Katina (Courtland) Griffin, Barbara Nicole (James) Moore, Rodrick Nelson, Trent (Cece) Nelson, Ryan (Jessica) Nelson, Alesha Nelson, Ashley Nelson, Christopher (Dwandala) Howard, Julie Howard, Lamount Davis III (deceased), Joshua Davis, Corey Howard, Isiah Howard, Meela Perkins, Tayler Howard, Jaliyah Crockett, Makayla Elijah, Adrienne Nelson, Chad Chumbley, Jr., Grace Howard, Titus Howard, Xzavier Howard, Destiny Howard, Kyllie Howard, Kevon Howard, Zareah Howard, Leon Howard, Journey Howard, Nevaeh Howard, Corey Howard, Jr., Kyng Carter Howard, Ivy Howard, Sky Howard, Isiah Howard, Jr., Roman Gray, Mason Gray, Mikayla Middleton, Madison Middleton, Michael Middleton III, Sophie Middleton, Deacon Middleton, Miles Middleton, Katlin Glasco, Collin Griffin, Chase Griffin, Jerrod Nelson, Trinity Nelson, Isaiah Nelson (deceased), Miles Nelson, Chloe Nelson and Niara Moore.
She will also be missed by close relatives, a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
Dr. Bertha Euell Nelson leaves a legacy of beauty and brilliance, love and kindness, wisdom and grace.
The family would like to thank their many friends and neighbors for their love, kindness, prayers and expressions of sympathy during this time of bereavement.
Charitable donations may be made in memory of Bertha Euell Nelson to the American Heart Association at www.heart.org
Flowers may be sent to Friendly Temple Church 5515 Dr. Martin Luther King Dr. St. Louis Missouri 63132 on September 1st or 2nd. Due to COVID-19 a private family Celebration of Life is planned.
I offer sincerest sympathy to the family. Heaven gained a beautiful soul. May God’s mercy and love support the family through this tremendous loss.
I didn’t get the pleasure of meeting this QUEEN. Just reading her obituary and seeing her lovely pictures made me smile. I call her A BLESSED WOMAN OF GOD!
My condolences to her family.
what an amazing and beautiful woman
When we first met Mrs. Nelson twenty years ago, we found her to be a lady of warmth, grace and elegance. Also, she made us feel part of the Nelson family, and expressed loving and caring thoughts and concerns about us. She might be gone (from this earth), but definitely not forgotten. May she Rest In Peace.????????????
I offer my most sincerest condolences to the Nelson family, particularly my friend Rosalind, on the loss of their matriarch, Dr. Nelson.
She was and is a role model for professionals,community leaders,citizens and parents!
Rip! Your life was well lived!
Mrs. Nelson was an amazing lady and will truly be missed. Please take comfort in knowing how much she and the entire family are loved in these very difficult times. Our condolences.
To my sister Julie (Mike) Middleton and family. So sorry to hear of your beloved mother passing. I met and got to know Mrs. Nelson at various events throughout the years. She was a very warm, gracious and elegant person. Her many accomplishments in the education arena was and is greatly appreciated. May she Rest In Peace. Brenda Hartley and family.
You remember in awe the nights you looked up into a sky that was brilliantly lit with stars; and amidst it all your eyes were drawn to the brightest. Julie’s Mom was among the very brightest and we were privileged to see and feel her light in person. We read with joy a remarkable obituary that captured the remarkable woman she was — one who will remain a shining star and guide for us all.
With sincere condolences to her entire family,
most especially our dear friend, Julie, who mirrors her precious mother in all ways,
Love, Anne and Brady Deaton
From the moment I met Mrs Nelson, I was in awe. She was truly a Lady of Grace and beauty and so very stylish. I loved her smile and welcoming ways. Julie you surely do look like your mom and take after her. What an inspiration to your life and to many others
We offer our sincere condolences to the family of Dr. Bertha Nelson. It has been a pleasure to have known her over these years and sharing in her joy and wisdom. Always will cherish the times we had shared on many various occasions. Will keep all in our prayers.
Always
Charles and Carolyn Allen and Family
Our family has you in our thoughts and prayers. May the peace of God’s grace and love cover you now and remind you that HE is God and HE has made a great way for your mother in Heaven. I see where you get your great genes Julie! In our thoughts, Erika, CJ and Christian Aaron
My deepest sympathy to the family of Dr. Bertha Nelson. “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.”
Dr. Ann Harris
My condolences to the Nelson family. She was an amazing women…may she rest in peace.
My sincerest condolences to you Julie and your family. The loss of your remarkable, intelligent, warm mother is a loss to us all. Rest in peace.
May the love of God hold you close during this difficult time. My prayers are that you accept the passing of your beloved mother. Rozi I know that you are missing your mom and greatest friend. May god keep you and bless you. Always
Mary Eileen and family.