Betty Lou Stewart Nielsen

Betty Lou Nielsen, age 93, born in Altoona, PA on November 21, 1930, joyfully embraced Jesus on August 5, 2024. Betty’s loved ones who preceded her in death welcomed her upon her arrival Home. She resided at Southland Health and Rehab in Peachtree City, GA; the previous 8 wonderful years at Baptist Manor in Palmetto, GA.

Betty’s life was centered around her husband, Bob, and her family. They raised 4 children together with lots of moves; as a promotion for Bob meant moving to a new city and/or state. Bob retired early and they enjoyed 6+ years between their love of golfing in Fairfield Glade, TN; then venturing out in a motorhome seeing the country, and visiting friends! When Bob had a debilitating stroke, she was at his side; adjusting to challenges, ups and downs, for over 20 years. The last 5 years of Bob’s life were spent at Gordon Healthcare where Betty visited daily, also ministering to those who had no family. Betty is a woman who loved and served well! Her life was not void of suffering. She lost a son at age 23 and a second son at age 52, both unexpected tragic deaths; also, an incredible lifestyle change after Bob’s stroke. She lived with chronic arthritic pain, and many surgeries, beginning as early as in her 40’s. One never heard a word of complaint or a smidgen of bitterness through these hardships. She lived and breathed an immense amount of faith in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Never was this displayed in a grander way than when she suffered from Alzheimer’s for the last 5 years of her life (always pleasant, sweet, and a smile on her face). Betty has set the bar high for any of us who follow her!

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Gerald Nielsen; parents George W. and Lavinia Ruth Stewart; her sister Marjorie Meyer and husband Harold (survived by son Mike and daughter Jackie); son David Robert and son Dale Stewart; and granddaughter Jennifer Nielsen Smallman.

Survivors include daughter Chris and husband Charlie Elliotte; granddaughter Heather and husband Skip MacHarg (great-grandchildren Connor, Emily, Molly, and Hudson); grandson Brian and wife Jennifer Elliotte (great-grandchildren Katie, Jack, and Levi); granddaughter Rebecca and husband Trey Parrott (great-grandchildren Addie, Lexie, Avery and Preston).

Survived by daughter Pam and husband Rodney Sands; grandson Danny and wife Haley Sands (great-grandchildren Presley, Kinsley, Briley, and Emery); grandson Ryan Sands and wife Jessica Vu (great-grandson Kai); grandson Paul and wife Jillian Sands (great grandsons James and Zane)); grandson Michael Sands.

Survived by son David’s daughter Melissa and husband Todd Hunt (great-grandchildren Abigail and Jay) and Carol Nielsen Smallman.

Survived by son Dale’s children Matthew Nielsen; Ben and wife Erin Nielsen (great-grandchildren Emma, Jake, Abby, Lily, and Nace).

Survived by daughter-in-law Kathy Nielsen; step-granddaughter Rebekah and husband Marc Feuerbach (great-grandchildren Will and Addie). Survived by daughter-in-law Jenny Montgomery. 

[REVISED] Celebration of Betty’s life will be held in the Chapel of Georgia Baptist Children's Home located at 9250 Hutchesons Ferry Road, Palmetto, GA on September 14, 2024, at 10:00 AM; Paul Mims and Rodney Sands will officiate the service, with fellowship to follow in the Clubhouse. Graveside service will be held at Fain Cemetery (104 Anabel Lane, Calhoun).

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Betty’s honor may be made to Baptist Manor, 519 Perkins Road, Palmetto, GA 30268; Attention Matthew.

Thomas Funeral Home is proud to serve the family of Betty Lou Nielsen.