Clara Nell "Nellie" (Snelling) Johnson

Clara Nell “Nellie” (Snelling) Johnson, 101, of Battle Creek, Michigan died peacefully at Kerak Assisted Living on Monday, January 1, 2024.

Nellie was born July 21, 1922, in Paducah, Kentucky to Alonzo and Nellie (Switzer) Snelling. She grew up in Paducah, where she graduated from high school. Nellie was employed in occupational therapy at the former Battle Creek Sanitarium for 23 years and as a nurse’s aide at Leila Hospital for 4 years.

Clara Nell Snelling was united in marriage to Clarence W. Johnson on February 20, 1943. Nellie was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence on February 9, 1991. Surviving are three children, Patricia (Forest) Walter of Ft. Pierre, SD, Barbara (Rodney) Hyde of Berkeley Springs, WV, daughter-in-law, Marie Johnson of Battle Creek, Harold (Lori) Johnson of Olivet; nine grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; three great great-grandchildren and several cousins, nieces, nephews and their families. In addition to her husband, Nellie was also preceded in death by her parents; a son, Gerald Johnson; and eight brothers and sisters, including Laura Ashdon from Battle Creek.

Nellie was a member of the Urbandale Seventh Day Adventist Church since 1945, and enjoyed working with the Pathfinders. For many years, she was a coordinator of the Urbandale Food Pantry beginning in 1992, when it opened. She was also a volunteer at the former Lifespan Hospice. Nellie enjoyed collecting skunks, sands and seeds. Her favorite pastimes were crocheting and working with her hands. Nellie will be remembered for a big heart, always caring for others and their needs.

Friends will be received 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Friday, January 5, 2024, at Urbandale Seventh Day Adventist Church, where a service to celebrate Nellie’s life will be held at 12:00 noon Friday, January 5, 2024. Nellie will be laid to rest next to her husband, Clarence, at Bedford Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to:  Encourage BC!, 32 W. Michigan Ave. Ste. 1,  Battle Creek, MI 49017 (Envelopes provided by Urbandale Food Pantry).

Arrangements are by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.