Josephine Ann “Jo” Nelson, 69, of Punta Gorda, Florida, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, July 19, 2016, following an extended 18 day stay at Fawcett Memorial Hospital in Port Charlotte, FL. Her last two hours were shared in conversation with her beloved husband Earl.

Josephine was born April 7, 1947, in Saginaw, Michigan, to the late Margaret and Daniel LaBelle. She lived in Saginaw through High School graduation (Arthur Hill) and College years at Michigan State University, where she earned a Bachelor and Masters Degrees. Moving to Lansing, Michigan, and beginning a 28 year career as an Elementary School Teacher with the Lansing School District.

Josephine, Jo as she was known by her family, colleagues, and friends, grew up as a member of Michigan Avenue Baptist Church of Saginaw, and over the years learned to study and believe the Scriptures. She developed a strong faith as a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ and claimed him as her personal savior.

In 1985, she married Earl Nelson and they spent the next 31 years in a joyful union providing oversight to the growth of a home church (Oasis Ministry). The last 16 years as retirees in Punta Gorda, FL. Jo reserved a special room in her home to store the many presents she so thoroughly enjoyed purchasing, wrapping and mailing to the “Grands”. One of her greatest joys was the back and forth travel to Michigan and Colorado for a visit, and of course preparing two of her favorite dishes for the families, barbecued ribs and lasagna. Jo and Earl enjoyed travel to many national and international destinations. Her favorites included Paris, France, Rome, Italy, the Hawaiian Islands and Sedona, AZ.

She leaves behind to cherish her loving memory Earl her husband, her sister and dearest friend Abigail LaBelle, brothers Daniel (Barbara) LaBelle and Charles (Cathy) LaBelle; six beloved step-daughters, Sondra (Walter) Crossier of Berkley, CA, Deane Nelson of St. Petersburg, FL, Laura Nelson McClain of Lansing, MI, Morgan (Andre) Hutson of Bath, MI, Toni (David) Thomas of East Lansing, MI, and Nicole (Matt) Gold of Denver, CO; six grandchildren, Cameron and Sydney Hutson, Kingston and Kennedy Thomas, and Wiley and Ellie Gold. Also, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and a multitude of friends.

A Memorial service celebrating Josephine’s life will be held 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 21st, 2016 in the club house at Kings Gate Golf Club, 24000 Rampart Blvd, Punta Gorda, FL 33980.

In lieu of flowers, memorial bequests in Josephine’s name are suggested to Heifer International, 1 World Ave., Little Rock, AR 72202.

Friends may visit online at www.robersonfh.com to extend condolences to the family. Arrangements are by Roberson Funeral Homes & Crematory Punta Gorda Chapel.