Williams (Nelson), Shirley Jean

Surrounded by her loving husband, Phillip and daughters, Shirley Jean Nelson, of Eugene, passed away on June 30th from Leukemia, a resulting complication of breast cancer. She was 69 years old. She was born in Eugene, OR to Odell and Minnie Williams. Shirley attended Cottage Grove High School where she met Jerry Mitchell. They married and had 3 children: Valarie Fisher, Kelly Karr, and Jeff Mitchell of Eugene.

Shirley went on to earn her nursing degree from Lane Community College. She considered it a blessing and privilege to work with Dr. Randy Lewis in OB/GYN for 20 years at PeaceHealth. She especially enjoyed the lives and times that patients shared with her, the miracle of a newborn's first breath, and the many babies she held.

She married Phillip Nelson on February 16, 1979. They recently celebrated 30 years together. They enjoyed so much with each other, including traveling, camping, boating, and gardening. They treasured times together with their friends and family and had a special bond with a group of close friends who called themselves, "The Outbackers".

Shirley will be remembered for many things -- her love for God and others, her compassion without judgment, and kindness without pity. Shirley left many friends and family behind ? her husband Phillip Nelson; daughters: Valarie Fisher and Kelly Karr; son Jeff Mitchell; grandchildren: Katherine and Ricky Fisher, Kari and Dylan Karr, Joe and Lindsay Mitchell; 14 step-grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren.

The celebration of Shirley's life was held at her church, First Church of the Nazarene (8th & Madison), Eugene on Wednesday, July 8th at 1:00 p.m.

Cystic Fibrosis claimed the lives of Shirley's four siblings: Fred, Albert, Phyllis and Doris. Memorial contributions in her memory can be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

From the Eugene Register-Guard