Dorothy Opal Nelson, 88, of Campbellsville, KY was born in Taylor County on November 18, 1937, a daughter of the late John James “Jay” and Lizzie Ermine (Dewitt) Wood. She departed this life on Monday, December 22, 2025 at Taylor Regional Hospital.

She had made a profession of faith in Christ and was a member of Gods Grace Church. Mrs. Nelson was a longtime employee of Fruit of the Loom and retired from there after 38 years of service. Mrs. Nelson was very family-oriented and loved cooking Sunday dinners for her children and grandchildren. They claim she made the best banana pudding and chocolate pie around. She also enjoyed time spent with her church family and loved to sing with them during the service.

She was the devoted wife of Charles Leonard Nelson, who preceded her in death in 2010.
 

SURVIVORS:

4 children: Leon Nelson & wife Debbie, Carolyn Whitlock & husband Rusty, Lisa Miranda & husband David, and Gayla Combs

10 grandchildren: Jennifer Watson, Davie Harris, Gary Whitlock, Kevin Whitlock, Wendy Whitlock, Angel Edelen, Carly Waldrep, Jacob Thompson, Jacqueline Graves, and Timmy Combs

1 brother: Virgil Wood and wife Virginia

24 great-grandchildren & 9 great-great grandchildren

A host of other family members & friends

Besides her husband and parents, she was also preceded in death by four siblings: Faye Graham, Marvin Kirtley, George Wood, and Barbara Agnus Wood; a grandson: Stevie Harris; a great-grandson; one great-great grandson; and two sisters-in-law: Helen Jean Bell and Doris Jean Nelson.

Funeral Service: Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at 1:00pmET at L.R. Petty Funeral Home, 1765 New Columbia Rd, Campbellsville, KY with Bro. Roger Bland officiating

Burial: Mt. Washington Cemetery

Visitation: Monday, Dec. 29, 2025 from 5:00pm-8:00pmET at the funeral home

L.R. Petty is in charge of the arrangements.