Doris Jane Powell Nelson, 56, died September 27, 1998 in Clinton, Utah, due to complications of pneumonia. She was the beloved wife of Steven Geddes Nelson. They have resided in Clinton for the last 20 years.
Jane was born January 8, 1942, in Salt Lake City, Utah, a daughter of Doris Napper and Jenkyn Edward Powell. She graduated from West High School in Salt Lake City and attended the University of Utah. She was dearly loved by all of her school friends.She and Steven were married in the Salt Lake Temple, September 6, 1963, and resided in Salt Lake City for a time. They have also lived in Bloomington, Illinois; Richland, Washington; San Jose, California. They also lived for five years in Zama, Japan and loved Japan and the Japanese people.
Jane lived a noble life and was loved for her beautiful, happy, positive personality. She has countless friends and has touched many lives "for the better." She was known for her humor and lighthearted outlook on life. In 1995, she was named "Mother of the Year" and was cited for her outstanding community leadership, her compassionate service to those in need and her leadership and encouragement of youth.
Jane and her husband sponsored five Laotian families from South East Asia and helped those families adjust to American life by taking care of them and teaching them American customs.
She has shown great leadership in many LDS Church positions. She has served in the Relief Society and as Stake and Ward Young Women's presidents, completed regional and stake missions and fulfilled many teaching assignments in the church, in addition to her outstanding performance as a bishop's wife.
She was talented in dancing and dramatics and was always willing to share her talents. She spoke at many youth groups and entertained at numerous events with dances and humorous presentations. She has directed and starred in many road shows and melodramas. She was beloved by her family and friends and will be sorely missed.
She is survived by her husband, Steven; mother, Doris Powell; five daughters; Stacy Auleen (Scott) McAllister, San Jose, California; Wendy Lyn (John) Long, West Point; Kristie Ann (Scott) Palfreyman, West Jordan; Michiko Holly Nelson and Mariko Dawn Nelson, Clinton. She is also survived by two brothers: James Edward (Andrea) Powell, Bellingham, Washington and Jenkyn Albert (Valorie) Powell, Salt Lake City and nephews and nieces. In addition, surviving her are seven grandchildren: Corbin and Lauren McAllister, Kylin, Kenzie and John Alden Long; and Megan Jo and Abby Kae Palfreyman. She was preceded in death by her father, Jenkyn Powell.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, September 30, at 11 a.m. at the Clinton Utah Stake Center, 2223 West 1800 North, Clinton. Friends and family may call on Tuesday, September 29, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Meyers Mortuary, 5865 South 1900 West, Roy and from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Stake Center prior to services. Interment at the Clinton City Cemetery.
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