Beverly Louise Nelson, 78, of Portsmouth, went to be with her Lord on Sunday, September 2, 2012 from her home. Born October 17, 1933 in Nescopeck, PA, she was a daughter of the late Russell and Almira Welter Brelsford and was a homemaker. Beverly was a very active member of Mabert Road Baptist Church, where she was a Sunday School teacher and youth leader, and was a very avid girl scout leader. Also preceding her in death were her husband, William "Bill" Nelson, whom she married on September 10, 1953 in Wilkes-Barre, and two brothers, Wayne and Edward Brelsford. Surviving are her five children, Randy (Kathy) Nelson of Portsmouth, Wayne (Yori) Nelson of Jacksonville, NC, Sandi (Frank) Schmidt of Portsmouth, Chuck (Linda) Nelson of Portsmouth and Lynda (Johnny) Collins of South Webster; 16 grandchildren, Jennifer Green, Brad (Kendra) Daniels, Krisdafer Nelson, Ricky (Kamelia) Rodriguez, Jason (Sherry) Nelson, Courtney (Chris) Adkins, Jessika (Xavier) Turcotte, Tiffany (B.J.) Mingus, Julee (Dave) Stevens, Craig Nelson, Jeffrey Nelson, Nikki (Nate) Allen, Amanda Nelson, Candace (Chris) Stiles, Joshua (Crissie) Nelson and Johnda (Keith) Durham; 25 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews; and a sister, Lois (Joe) Rondanello of PA. A Celebration of Life will be held 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday at the BRANT FUNERAL HOME IN PORTSMOUTH with Rev. Jack Williams officiating. Interment will be in Sunset Memorial Gardens. The family will receive their friends at Brant's in Portsmouth from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday and one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the youth group at Mabert Road Baptist Church. The family sends a sincere appreciation to special caregivers, Sandi and Frank Schmidt.