Dorothy Marie Nelson Pelham

Dorothy Marie Nelson Pelham passed away peacefully Saturday, October 26, 2024 in Johnson City, TN, with the love of her family, Jesus Christ and his angels surrounding her.

Dot, as she was most commonly known as, was born in Pascagoula, MS on March 5,1939 to Harold (Bud) Wilford Nelson and Helen Marguerite Ferrer Nelson; siblings Patricia (Patsy) Nelson Jones and Linda Dianne Nelson. Dorothy married her high school sweetheart James (Jim Pat) Patton Pelham and they celebrated their 65th Anniversary this year in July. After their marriage, the couple moved to San Luis Obispo, CA, but returned back to Pascagoula after a couple of years. She attended Jackson County Community College and got an associate degree in drafting. She was employed by Ingalls Ship Building. She held several positions in the company. 

Dot and Jim enjoyed living many places along the Gulf Coast. They enjoyed boating and fishing in the marsh and many trips to Round, Horn and Petit Bois Islands for many weekends with their children. They went on adventures living in Panama and Argentina for Jim's engineering projects. However, they spent the last thirty plus years living in Spanish Fort, AL. Dot was known for her delicious cooking, spirited personality and sharp wit. She could tell a story like no other woman. As a Grand Master Duplicate Bridge Player, she competed and taught lessons locally. After Jim’s retirement they bought a Casita camper and traveled the country coast to coast. Dot loved traveling and going everywhere she could.

She will be missed by her husband Jim Pat and their two children, Sherri Lynne Pelham Clemens and her husband Gregory Clemens and their son James (Jaime) Patton Pelham, Jr. and his wife Jenny Root Pelham. Dot has three grandchildren she adored, Mamie Marguerite Clemens, Jules Lee Gaston Clemens and wife Allison, Genevieve Marie Clemens and one great-grandchild, Alexander Patrick Clemens; as well as numerous extended family members.

Dot is predeceased by her parents Harold and Helen, and sister Patsy.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on November 5th, 2024 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Johnson City, TN. Burial and celebration of life following the service at the home of Greg and Sherri Clemens.

In lieu of flowers please send memorial donations to Dorothy’s three favorite charities: St. Jude Children's Hospital, Boys Town and Shriners Children’s Hospital.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family via www.morrisbaker.com

Morris-Baker Funeral Home, 2001 E Oakland Ave, Johnson City, Tennessee, is honored to serve the Pelham family. (423) 282-1521