Carol Lynn (Shedd) Nelson

Carol Lynn (Shedd) Nelson 87, of Battle Creek, Michigan went home to be with her Lord and Savior, surrounded by her family, after a lengthy illness on Friday, July 3, 2026.

Carol was born on November 14, 1938, in Battle Creek, Michigan, the daughter of Perry Lloyd and Esther Violet (Thomason) Shedd. She was a lifelong Battle Creek resident and a 1956 graduate of Battle Creek Central High School, where she performed a piano solo in the Leila Band Follies in her sophomore year, a truly fond memory of hers. Carol was employed by the Enquirer and News after graduation, and then later was an executive secretary at the former Calhoun County Community Mental Health Agency during the late 60's and early 70's. She then worked with her husband, John, at Nelson Cleaners in Urbandale for many years, retiring in 1988.

Carol married the Love Of Her Life, John Lester Nelson on July 4, 1973. Together they built a life filled with family, love, and happiness. They would have been married for 53 years on July 4th.

Surviving are her husband, John; three daughters, Kathy (Mike Bailey) Edwards of Battle Creek, Stephanie (Jerry) Hamilton of Williamstown, WV, Kimberly (Randall) Booth of Cainsville, MO; six grandchildren, Christopher St. John, Austin (Victor) Arnold, Geoffrey Edwards, Taylor Hamilton, Jonathan (Haleigh) Edwards, Joshua (Holly) Booth; seven great-grand children; three great great-grandchildren; a brother, Dennis (Waneeta) Shedd of Battle Creek; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and their families. Carol was preceded in death by her parents.

Carol enjoyed reading and studying her Bible for hours at a time. She also loved to play the piano. Showtunes, standards, and hymns were her favorites. She also developed a love for using her Legerciser elliptical machine. She frequently clocked 2400 steps or more! Carol's family was so important to her, and she devoted her life to them in so many ways. She enjoyed hosting holiday dinners that included her famous lemon meringue and peanut butter pies. On her "only" round trip plane ride, Carol and John flew to Germany to visit their daughter and son-in-law who lived there. It was the trip of a lifetime! She also loved being treated to coffee and cranberry muffins from Continental Bakery. Carol will be remembered for her strength and her unwavering love for her family. She will be forever loved and missed.

Friends will be received 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care. A service to celebrate Carol’s life will be held 1:30 p.m. Thursday, July 23, 2026, at Fort Custer National Cemetery.

Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.