NELSON WINSTON-SALEM - Josephine R. (Jo) Nelson peacefully went to the Lord on February 22, 2009 surrounded by family at her home in Winston-Salem. She was inspiring and strong from diagnosis and surgery through treatment and her untimely decline. Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico on December 19, 1938 to the late Ramon (Ray) and Josephine Romero, Jo graduated valedictorian from St. Mary' s High School. She soon met and married native North Carolinian, J. Edward Nelson, Jr., in Albuquerque. After periods in Roswell, NM and Greenville SC and the birth of four children, Jo and Ed moved to Winston-Salem in 1968. While raising her children, she appeared in local "Little Theater" productions. She was a talented writer of several TV commercials which then led to her appearances in them. In 1972, she embarked on a successful full-time career in the media and entertainment industry. She joined the on-camera staff at the then ABC affiliate, WGHP-TV in High Point, announcing the news, performing the weather and establishing a large market share with her mid-morning program "Dialing for Dollars." Over the ensuing years, the name, voice and face of Jo Nelson were prominently evidenced throughout the Triad in the media and community and civic activities, particularly in the field of the arts which she always supported as it gave her great enjoyment. In 2001, she responded to the unexpected challenge resulting from the sudden death of her husband Ed by assuming the full time leadership at Triad Insurance Agency in Walkertown, NC, which the two jointly owned since the mid-1970' s. She expanded Triad' s business until the favorable sale of it several years later. Mom never failed to apply top priority to the active involvement in and support of the lives and well being of her four children and, in due course, seven grandchildren. "Mimi" made her grandchildren her relentless focus and center of devotion. The unconditional nature of the love bestowed upon them was a testimony to her unyielding faith in God and sense of commitment. Her family and friends enjoyed and admired her loyalty and terrific sense of humor. Jo and Ed loved dancing to beach music and the laughter of friends. Jo was a member of, and educated her children at, St. Leo' s Catholic Church. She is survived by her children and grandchildren: Lori Cunningham and her daughters, Kailee and Claire of Norfolk, VA; Carri Marcum and her husband, Andy, of Winston Salem; Lee Nelson and wife, Karen and their children, Ryan, Ava and Barrett of Tampa, Florida; and Billi Jo Butler and her husband, Todd and their children, daughter, Maigan and son, Jack of Lewisville, NC. Also surviving is her sister Caroline Minero and husband, Alfonso of Petaluma CA and her brother, Richard Romero and wife, Jane of Sapulpa, OK. She is preceded in death by her husband, Ed Nelson, and by her parents, Ray and Josephine Romero, and sisters, Dolores (DeeDee) Hernandez, and Therese Romero. The family wishes to thank: the nurses and caregivers of Bayada, Gentiva and Hospice; Becky Davis, massage therapist; the firefighters at station 18; Dr. Michael Chan, and Bob McGurkin, Fathers Brian and Alex, of St. Leo' s Catholic Church for their help and guidance in our mother' s peaceful journey to be with the Lord. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 26, 2009 at Hayworth-Miller, Silas Creek Parkway. A celebration of Jo' s life will held at 12:00 noon on Friday, February 27, 2009 at Saint Leo the Great Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Forsyth Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Saint Leo the Great Catholic Church, 335 Springdale Avenue, Winston- Salem, NC 27104 Online condolences may be made to www.hayworth-miller.com.

Published in the Winston-Salem Journal from 2/25/2009 - 2/26/2009