Patricia P. "Pat" Nelson passed away peacefully at home, on August 24, 2021, following a lengthy illness. She was a native of Vernon Parish, born on June 3, 1931. Pat was a graduate of Simpson High School where she excelled, not only in academics, but basketball, as well.  She and her brother, Bruce, enjoyed life as the children of an English teacher and the school Principal. Pat often told stories of their adventures. After high school graduation, she was off to Baton Rouge and Louisiana State University, where she met the love of her life, Gerald H. "Jerry" Nelson, at Alex Box Stadium. They were married January 27, 1951, and celebrated their 70 ^th anniversary this year.

Following graduation from LSU, the newlyweds moved to Long Island, NY, where Jerry was stationed in the Air Force. Their first daughter, Patricia, was born there. After Jerry's discharge from the military, they moved to Alexandria, LA, where their second daughter, Susan, was born. The following year, the family moved to Shreveport, where they were active members of Pinecroft Baptist Church, and later, Summer Grove Baptist Church.

Pat was a third-generation educator, teaching at Woodlawn and Southwood High Schools, retiring in 1998. She impacted the lives of thousands of students and exemplified the saying, "Students don't care how much you know until they know how much you care."

She is predeceased by her parents, Earl and Frankye Parker, and her brother, Bruce. She is survived by her loving husband, Jerry; daughters, Patricia Hayes and husband Gary, Susan Shofner and husband Bobby; grandchildren, Ryan Williams (Clint), Shane Williams (Catie), and Michael Hayes (Abby); great-granddaughters, Sara, Lily, and Claire; Niece and Nephew, Cindy Nelson Welch (Mike) and Jeff Nelson (Sherry) and their families.

Graveside services will be at the Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, 7970 Mike Clark Road Keithville, LA 71047, on Thursday, September 2, 2021, at 12:00pm, officiated by Rev. Wayne DuBose.  The family would like to give special thanks to Caregivers Ronnie Calhoun, Lois Peyton, Winnie Morant, and Peggy Williams; as well as Dr. Robert Hernandez, Laura Perkins, NP, and their nurses, Brooke, Christina, and Megan, for their incredible care of Pat. The family would also like to thank LifePath Hospice, especially Brooke, Cassie, and Earnestine.  As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be sent to the C.E. Byrd Drama Department, 3201 Line Avenue, Shreveport, LA 71104, or Shriner's Hospital for Crippled Children, 3100 Samford Avenue, Shreveport, LA 71103.