Gaynell S. Nelson Hill
December 03, 1929 - April 02, 2020
Charleston, WV
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Gaynell S. Nelson Hill
December 03, 1929 - April 02, 2020
Charleston, WV
Obituary
Gaynell “Gay” Savage Nelson Hill, 90 of Charleston passed peacefully at home, surrounded by her five children.
Gay, a loving mother and grandmother, a devoted friend, was born and raised on Charleston’s East End. Daughter of the late Ruth Womack Savage and William Lee Savage, she was a graduate of Charleston High School, where she made numerous lifelong friends. She attended Stephens College, West Virginia University, and completed her Education Degree at Morris Harvey College.
Beloved by students and staff, Gay spent her career teaching remedial education at the West Virginia Rehabilitation Center, Institute. Several of her students kept in touch throughout her life.
She was married to Dudley Fox Nelson for 42 joyous years and together raised their five kids. They treasured taking family vacations, sharing their love of nature and learning history. Favorite memories were those spent traveling throughout West Virginia.
Gay shared her love of laughter, animals, music concerts and art festivals, reading and sports, gatherings with “the girls”, and time spent in Sarasota, Florida.
Her most recent years she spent at home, enjoying the company of family and friends, morning coffee, and the newspaper, Gazette crosswords, flower bouquets, watching sports, playing jeopardy to the end, and receiving special care from Grand dog Nurse Myrtle Mae.
Loved and admired, Gay touched many lives during her eventful journey. She will be remembered for her kindness, patience, and humor. Entertaining and intriguing storytelling of her life and adventures, a wealth of knowledge she shared with all. Gay was an example for the importance and love of family, the value of friendship, and the respect of others.
Gay was preceded in death by her husbands, Dudley Nelson and Samuel Hill; and grandson, John Douglas.
She is survived by her children, Nancy Hill (Paul), John Nelson, Jane Douglas (Bub), Mary Nelson (Fred) and Bill Nelson (Carla). Her grandchildren, Will, Adam, Summer, Samantha and Fox; and great -grandchildren, Khloe, Lily, Adam, Jaxon, Elaina, Leo, and Leo.
Private family graveside service will be held Sunday. A Celebration of Gay’s life will be planned for a later date.
You may send condolences to the family at: www.barlowbonsall.com
Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home has been entrusted to handle the arrangements.
18 responses to Gaynell S. Nelson Hill
Joan Green Sutherland says:
April 4, 2020
Nancy, John, Janie, Mary and Bill,
I met Gay ( Mrs Nelson to me ) in 1974 when I was stepping onto West Virginia soil for the first time in my 18 years. I didn’t know a single person in West Virginia and it was to become my first home away from home. I met Nancy within seconds of my Dad parking our station wagon next to the Nelson’s station wagon in the Marshall dorm parking lot.
Nancy and her family welcomed me into their family with open arms and hearts.
I pretty much knew that minute that I was going to be just fine in this new home ( 550 miles and 9 hours drive from my family’s home ).
Only knowing me for a few minutes, Gay offered that I could come home with or without Nancy at anytime and invited me to stay for long weekends and even holidays with her family whenever I couldn’t go home to mine.
Her soft, comforting, and welcoming voice meant the world to me and my parents.
My parents had been given the gift of a safety net for their daughter, and I got a best friend.
Gay’s voice was always calm and her West Virginia accent sounded so welcoming to me.
I was just one of Nancy’s many many friends but Gay always made me feel special.
She was a precious person to me and I will never forget the warm kindness she always had for kids that she had just met.
I remember her sense of humor, and the bumper sticker that embodied her humor and her hobby: “Just Let Me Shop and No One Gets Hurt”.
I know she was a strong influence in all her children’s lives. She always showed her love while giving each of her children their freedom.
Gay ( Mrs Nelson ) will always be remembered lovingly, by all of her children’s friends.
Elliot & Gina Namay says:
April 4, 2020
Dear Nancy, John, Jane, Mary, and Bill,
Losing a parent is always a gut-wrenching, universe-changing experience, but it is especially difficult at this time when the virus keeps friends from gathering to share memories and offer comfort.
I am so sorry for your loss. Although we live right around the corner, I haven’t seen your mother for years and years, but I remember her fondly from our youth.
God Bless her and your whole family.
Prayers for peace and comfort at this difficult time.
Memory Eternal.
Elliot & Gina Namay
Alice Bell Cook says:
April 4, 2020
Dearest Nelson Family,
I remember your mom well–she was always so kind and so funny—loved her sense of humor. She was a wonderful woman and it’s reflected in all of you. Lots of love to you all. May her memory be eternal.