Zada Nicholson Nelson

ZADA LEE NICHOLSON NELSON
Zada, or Lee to some family members, was born in Durham, N.C. on February 24 to Edith Caroline and Alson Franklin Nicholson. Zada was a graduate of Durham High School, and attended Women’s College in Greensboro.
Zada and Clarence Chesterfield Nelson eloped to Charleston, S.C. on July 20, 1942, and were blessed to celebrate 68 wedding anniversaries together. After moving back to Durham, Zada worked at the Duke Typing Bureau and also typed term papers for Duke students at home. Later, Zada was employed at EPA until she retired.
Zada was a “polite” UNC fan; had a “passion” for diamonds; loved to play Scrabble and Bingo; and mastered the art of hula hooping. She and Clarence loved to travel and took many trips abroad with her twin sister (and best friend)Vada Boardman and Vada’s husband Jack. She was a member of Yates Baptist Church, and served many years as secretary in the Youth department.
Zada was predeceased by her husband, Clarence Nelson. She is survived by daughters Pam Wheeler (Doug); Peggy Nelson (Frank); Granddaughters Ashlee Smart (Ty); Darbee Jackson (Brian); Nephew Ray Boardman (Mary); Nieces Sybil McClintock; Linda Davis; Susan Dox (Allan); Cathy Raddatz; and Great grandchildren Emerson and Joel Smart, and Avery and Barrett Jackson
A celebration of Zada’s life will take place at 2:00 pm on June 24 at Yates Baptist Church with visitation at 1:00 pm in the Sanctuary.
Memorials may be made to Growing God’s House, Yates Baptist Church,
2819 Chapel Hill Road, Durham, NC 27707 or to a charity of one’s choice.