Sharon “Sherri” Lenore (Coleman) Nelson

Sharon “Sherri” Lenore Coleman Nelson, 88, eternally 29, passed away peacefully in her sleep Nov. 5, 2025.

She was born July 3, 1937, the daughter of the late Shirley Berry Wells and James Brownie “J.B.” Coleman, in Charleston, West Virginia.

Sherri grew up in South Charleston and graduated from South Charleston High School. She attended Capital City Commercial College and the McHenry School of Modeling. She was a member of the social sorority Beta Sigma Phi when she and her family lived in Kingwood from 1970-77.

In 1977, Sherri and her family moved to Lake Floyd, outside Clarksburg, and over the years, she enjoyed meeting up with other members of the Beach Bunnies for “Bunny Lunches.” She was also a founding member of the Prince of Peace Episcopal Church in Salem.

Sherri enjoyed long phone conversations and visits with friends and family. She was a life-long pet parent and well-known cat lady. She loved the color purple, and if something was purple and cat-themed, her family had to get it for her.

Her family was the center of Sherri’s world, and she will be missed more than words can convey.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Shirley, and step-father, Rex Wells; father, J.B., and step-mother, Ova Coleman; infant brother, Max; son, Stephen Nelson; dear friend Becky Everly; and many aunts and uncles.

Sherri is survived by her husband of 68 years, John Hartley Nelson Jr.; her eldest son, A.U.S. Major (retired) J. Michael Nelson; her youngest son, Scott Nelson, and spouse, Cynthia Sasser Nelson; daughter-in-law, Sheila Nelson; half-siblings, Donna Coleman Leaptrot and Joe Coleman; grandchildren, Nikki Godfrey (Brandi Robinson), John Hartley Nelson III (Devin), Cole Nelson (Kara), Corey Nelson, Jessica Nelson and Alex Nelson; great-grandchildren, Gracelynn Nelson, Avery Robinson, Jordan Robinson, Elliot Nelson, Cyrus Nelson, Holden Nelson and Denver Nelson; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.  

Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025, at Davis Funeral Home in Clarksburg, West Virginia. The funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. with the Rev. Pamela Shier officiating. A private internment will be held at a later date.

Online condolences can be made at DavisFuneralHomeWV.com. Davis Funeral Home is honored to serve the Nelson Family. 

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