Connie Nelson

Connie Lee Nelson, 76

Connie Lee Nelson left the loving arms of her daughter and was received by her Lord and Savior as she entered into eternity on Saturday, February 1, 2014 at the age of 76 years.

“I can only imagine, what my eyes will see, when your face is before me, I can only imagine! Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel, will I dance for you Jesus or in awe of you be still. Will I stand in your presence or to my knees will I fall. Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all. I can only imagine. I can only imagine, when that day comes and I find myself standing in the Son.” (Imagine by Mercy Me)

Connie was born the only child of the late Merle and Marion Olmstead in Flint, MI November 30, 1937. She married Robert Wesley Stephenson in 1954 and had two children, Terry Lynn Mauro of Traverse City and Robert Ray Stephenson, Redford. In 1972 she married Wayne Charles Nelson and had one daughter Wendy Michelle Theaker of Tawas City. They resided in Lapeer for seven years before moving to Frankenmuth where she became manager of School Haus Square Shopping Mall. She retired in 1999 and moved to Tawas City.

There has never been a feistier woman. During the course of her life, you would rarely find her home empty. It was always overflowing with family and friends. Maybe over for a “totty” or a night filled with karaoke. She has brought tremendous joy to her family and friends. Her heart and home were always open and you never left hungry or without a smile on your face.

She leaves behind not only her three children, but also ten grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

Cremation has taken place and there will be a private service held in the spring in Franklin, Tennessee. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave condolences.

The family would like to give special thanks to Munson Hospice Care for their wonderful kindness and to Dr. Graetz for her overwhelming compassion, constant visits to her home and loving support, also to the “Women of Influence of Traverse City” prayer warriors that you are, Senator Jason and Susanne Allen, Attorney Michael Gillmen for all your mentoring and guidance, all her friends, family and neighbors. Last but not least, thank you Mikayla Ray Lier for all your time, unconditional love and devotion to your Nana and great grandma Connie through your high school years.

“But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the Air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.” (I Thessalonians 4: 13-18)

“I will call upon Your Name, Keep my eyes above the waves, when oceans rise, my soul will rest in Your embrace, I am Yours and You are Mine!” (Oceans Hillsong United)