Janet Nelson, 88, of LaVergne, TN passed away peacefully on April 15 ^th surrounded by family.

Jan was born on March 30 ^th , 1935 to Ralph Nelson and Bernice Brookover Nelson in Marietta, OH. She grew up surrounded by her six loving siblings, June, Joseph, Fred, Teddy, Carol Ann, and Marilyn. She was a graduate of Belpre High School.

A force to be reckoned with, Jan completed a 40 year successful career in nursing, retiring at the age of 70 years old. Being a nurse was her passion in life- taking care of others when they could not. She had four children, Kevin, Melia, Michell, and Scott who cared for her.

Jan was a member of Smyrna First United Methodist Church.  Jan loved to get in the car and drive with no destination in mind. She loved travel, taking spontaneous road trips, and seeing the world. She had been in several different countries and visited every state except Hawaii. She was a lively grandmother who could be found playing games, working puzzles, and spending time with her grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents Ralph Nelson and Bernice Brookover Nelson, and siblings June Nelson Conrad, Joseph Nelson, and Teddy Nelson. She is survived by siblings, Fred (Gloria) Nelson, Carol Ann Nelson, Marilyn Richards, and Linda Nelson (sister-in-law); friend Cathy Pickens; children, Kevin (Susan) Stafford, Melia Tanksley, Michell Mazzo, and Scott Tanksley; grandchildren, Craig (Terri Isaacson) Stafford, Misty Andrews, Joseph Hendrix, Ronald Guinn, Kevin Guinn, Steven (Kristin) Tanksley, Ashley (Chandara Srey) Stafford, Jacob (Kendra) Stafford, Asia (Chris) Foxall, and Savannah (Benjamin) Hodge; and great-grandchildren, Amari Hopkins, Kaleb Tanksley, Rory Tanksley, Reese Hodge, Aaron Swindell, Faith Andrews, Mylei Hendricks, Kassidie Hendricks, Abigal Guinn , and Jaxx Guinn.

Jan was extremely loved, and her family is grateful she lived a full and rich life. We will miss her fun and feisty personality every day.