Pearl Mae Brown Nelson

Former Shalimar, FL resident, Ms. Pearl Nelson, age 95, departed this life on Friday, February 13, 2026, under Hospice care and surrounded by family.

Pearlie Mae “Pearl” Brown was born on 12 June 1930 to Onzell Davis and Willie Brown in Mobile, AL where she was raised and educated.

In early 1950’s, she met and married Jimmy Nelson of Winston-Salem, NC (an Air Force veteran of WWII, Korea, Vietnam) while he was stationed in Alabama/Mississippi area and travelled with him around the United States during his career. They settled in Shalimar after MSGT Nelson’s retirement in 1970.

She had three daughters: Karen Lobo of San Bernadino, CA and Denise Richardson (Derrick) and Lenise Braziel (Brian) of Niceville, FL; three sons: Terrance Nelson of Allen, TX, James “Butch” Nelson (Edwina) and Ronald Brown Champion.

She began a long career with the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) while her husband was stationed at Eglin AFB, FL and retired from the Eglin’s AAFES in 1998.

Pearl was preceded in death by her mother, father, husband, brother: James Grayson “Sonny” Davis, two sons: Butch and Ronald and grandsons: Markey and Emmanuel Nelson.

She leaves to cherish her memories, her daughters, a son; grandchildren: Brian and Rachel Braziel, Leslie and Jordan Richardson, Brittney and Breeanna Lobo, James and Ryan Nelson; great-grandchildren: Aubrielle Warren, Jason Palacios, and Jayden, Jameson, Adan, Adrian and Makayla Nelson; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Pearl’s family would like to thank nurses Lisa, Jenna and Stephanie from VITAS Healthcare Hospice of Niceville for their loving care during her final years.

A private family service will be held with interment at Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola, FL.

Final arrangements have been entrusted to Heritage Gardens, 2201 Partin Drive, Niceville, FL 32578.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to your favorite charity in Pearl Nelson’s name or to VITAS Healthcare. Condolences may be expressed at heritagegardensfuneralhome.com.

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