Col. Ethel Alice Nelson

October 19, 1929 - January 31, 2022

Col. Ethel Alice Nelson entered eternal rest on January 31, 2022, in San Antonio, Texas, at the age of 92. She was born on October 19, 1929, in Jamestown, New York, to David E. Sr. and Ethel S. (Bratt) Nelson. She is preceded in death by her parents; sister, Edna Mae Nelson; brothers, Frank C. Nelson and David E. Nelson, Jr. Her sister, Nellie Jane (Nelson) Heppel, joined her in heaven on February 6, 2022. Ethel is survived by 8 loving nieces and nephews, their children; and other family members and friends. Col. Nelson had a distinguished 27 year military career in the United States Air Force, serving from 1957 – 1984. She was a graduate of Maryville College, the University of Rochester, and a received a Master’s degree from Columbia University. She was stationed at many locations throughout her career such as Hickam AFB HI, Hill AFB UT, Travis AFB CA, Wright-Patterson AFB OH, Tachikawa, Japan and London, England, to name a few. She also founded the Society of Air Force Nurses Incorporated and held a number of prominent positions within the organization. Col. Nelson was an advocate in community affairs and her church – Epworth United Methodist Church. She enjoyed reading, golf, travel and her 2 dogs – Little Boy and Little Girl. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 9, 2022, beginning at 9:00 A.M. with a celebration of life service to begin at 10:00 A.M. at Epworth United Methodist Church. Col. Nelson will be laid to rest with her family in Jamestown, New York.