Carolyn Ann Caranna Nelson

On Sunday, May 22, 2016, the Lord called home His faithful servant Carolyn Ann Caranna Nelson at the age of 74. A loving Christian and devoted Catholic, Carolyn was born in Gulfport, MS on June 7 1941, where she lived, worked and raised her family. She is preceded in death by her mother, Giovanna (Jennie) Caranna, and her grandparents Nunzio and Alfreda Caranna. She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Leon Gilbert Nelson, Sr. of Wiggins, MS, as well as her children Leon Gilbert Nelson, Jr. of Mobile, AL, Anthony “Tony” Irvin Nelson and his wife Leah of Mobile, AL, Catherine Victoria Nelson Galloway and her husband Lance, of Baton Rouge, LA and Melynda Carol Nelson Strong of Mobile, AL. She is also survived by her adoring grandchildren, Sophia Wynn Nelson, Jacob Thomas Galloway, Anthony “Cade” Caden Nelson, Ella Giovanna Nelson, Addison Rayne Galloway and Allison “Millie” Camille Carter, as well as her siblings John L. Himes Sr., Addie Lee (Michael) Ladner, Ruth E. (Rodney) McCollum and Patricia A. Ladner. She leaves behind a large number of nieces and nephews, sisters and brothers in law and friends with whom she shared her life. Carolyn worked for more than 20 years at Harrison Central High School, where she served as more than administrative personnel. Carolyn was an advisor, confidant and part-time mother to hundreds of children who passed through her office door and her home. Carolyn retired in 2005 and shared 12 blissful years of retirement with her husband Leon in Wiggins, MS. Carolyn was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Wiggins, MS. Carolyn will be remembered as a remarkably loving wife, a true matriarch, mother and grandmother who found joy in her family and her faith and pride in her family’s Sicilian heritage. She loved cooking and collecting antiques, both of which filled her home and her heart as she shared them with her loved ones, including the many who were not family but she welcomed as one of her own. She was the spiritual leader and gatherer of her family and their many friends, values and traits she handed down to her children to teach them to be loving parents of their own beautiful families she loved so much. Visitation will be held at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Gulfport, MS on Thursday, May 26 beginning at 9:30 am for family and 10 am for friends and family, followed by a Requiem Mass at 11 am and burial at Evergreen Cemetery, Gulfport. Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport is in charge of the arrangements. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com