Mary Helen Farmer Nelson, age 95, of Independence, VA passed away on Friday March 13, 2026, at her home.  She was born on August 3, 1930, in Rich Valley, Virginia to Robert and Emma Evans Farmer.

Mary had a quiet and gentle spirit. She enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially working in her garden and tending to her flowers. She enjoyed canning, preserving, and sharing the harvest from her garden. For many years, she worked faithfully alongside her husband, Billy, on the family farm in Comers Rock.

Mary enjoyed cooking and baking for her family. She made delicious homemade yeast rolls, applesauce cakes, and Christmas candies that became special favorites.

She also enjoyed reading and spent her later years immersed in books, reading nearly 265 each year. A devoted mother, she made it a daily habit to call each of her children every morning to check in and make sure everyone was okay. Her relationship with God was of utmost importance to her. She became a Christian at an early age and remained a faithful servant throughout her life.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Billy Harold Nelson; her infant son, Bobby Nelson; two sisters, Opal Cottrell and Laura Osborne; two brothers Sam Farmer and Bill Farmer; and her grandson, William Monroe Nelson.

She is survived by her three sons, Harold and Judy Nelson and Donnie Ray and Nancy Nelson both of Galax, VA, and RIcky and Becky Nelson of Independence, VA, the Pine Mountain Community; one brother, Rev. David and Nettie Lee Farmer of Crockett, VA; grandchildren, Ashley and Matthew Rippey, Carrie and Eric Campbell, Brooke and Brian Hammack; great-grandchildren, Caynan Nelson, Eli Campbell, Isaac Campbell, Logan Rippey, and Garrett Rippey.

Funeral services will be conducted on Tuesday March 17, 2026, at 2:00 PM at the Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Doug Stuart and Steven Cornett officiating.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.  Burial will follow in the Cornett Cemetery in Elk Creek, VA.

Flowers are appreciated or memorial contributions may be made to the Cornett Cemetery c/o Detha Shepherd 4503 Big Ridge Road Elk Creek, VA 24326.

Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home in Independence, VA is serving the Nelson family.