Linda Louise Nelson

Linda Hoover Nelson, 75, of Decatur, GA, rose to glory on September 9, 2023, at home surrounded by family after a mighty dance with kidney disease.  She died just as she lived, full of dignity, grace, and clarity. Her beloved husband was holding her while her brother, her children, and a few of her grandchildren were kissing and squeezing her.  Her sweet doggie, Babygirl, was also snuggled in by her side.  All told, twelve of us were with her as she found her way back to her mama, Mattie Lavenia Rogers Hoover, and her dear Jesus.

Linda was born on August 2nd, 1948 in Garden City, KS. The family moved to Jackson, MS when she was twelve. She met the love of her life, Mike Nelson, when she was fifteen and married him the minute she graduated from high school.  Together, in Jackson, MS, they raised three absolutely perfect children (yes, her children wrote this obituary). Each perfect child has a graduate degree and serves in a helping profession. In the 1970’s and 80’s while the children were young, she worked part-time and was an activist for fair housing and quality education in Mississippi.  While it was not always well-received by some, this young and sassy white woman insisted on doing the work that enabled black and brown children to receive the same education and housing opportunities as her own children.

This work as an activist led to the opportunity to become a mediator, sponsored and supported by the Department of Agriculture and various churches in Mississippi.  She worked with farmers and bankers through the farm crisis of the 1980’s, and then began work with churches, bishops, and clergy, as a mediator when there was conflict or chaos within a church or diocese.  Her husband says that her gift was that when she worked with individuals, communities, and institutions, nobody felt like a loser. Everyone felt that she understood their side. Mom would joke that if no one was extremely happy with the outcome of the mediation, but everyone was OK, then she was successful. We kept trying to get her to run for President.  She kept telling us no.

In addition to her work as a mediator, Linda served as a spiritual director to countless priests and lay ministers throughout the country. Linda’s courage, compassion and candor allowed her to meet people where they were on their journey. Her children always said that Linda had a special connection to her God. Linda created opportunities for others to connect with their Lord in a way that was simply natural for her.

Linda and Mike lived in Jackson, MS, Little Rock, AR, New Orleans, LA, and finally Decatur, GA. In every single one of those places they joined the local Episcopal church, and Linda served in leadership positions. When they moved to Philips Tower, a senior living community in Decatur in 2013, she and Mike were absolutely adored and cherished at both Philips Tower and at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church.

Linda is survived by her beloved husband (Mike) of 57 years, her 3 children, Marty Nelson (Bill), Bill Nelson (Kamilla), and Mary Beth Nelson (Jackie) and her brothers, Eric (Mayor of Austin Drive) and Paul Hoover, and her doggie, Babygirl.  She always said that her legacy is her seven beautiful grandchildren. The oldest granddaughter, Edie, completed her master’s degree the day before her Grams left this earth. Her youngest granddaughter, Harper, is a senior in High School, and plans to be a doctor. The 5 grandsons (Liam, Joe, Luke, Isaac, and Eli) in the middle are all brilliant and kind humans who are in college, studying to be changemakers. While Linda won’t be attending in the physical sense, she will be spiritually present at Liam’s wedding on the 16th of September.  She was so, so proud of these seven humans.

Services will be held on October 21st at 1:00 at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Decatur, GA.  In lieu of flowers, Linda requested that donations be made to Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, or ERDF (Episcopal Relief and Development Foundation).  On Saturday, October 21st, consider honoring Linda by wearing purple, her favorite color.