Bessie Mae Nelson Caire, devoted mother and grandmother, passed away Sunday,

July 11, 2010 surrounded by her family. She was 76.

She was born to the late Pallie Rae Stotts and James Willie Nelson in New Berlin, IL

on March 20, 1934. Bess had lived many years in both Springfield, IL and New Orleans,

LA. After moving to Columbia, she attended Western Kentucky University. She was

a talent artist who enjoyed painting landscape and still life.

Bess was preceded in death by one son, Gregory Allan Whitson.

She was also preceded in death by two brothers, Robert Nelson and Harold Nelson;

and one sister, Alice Farber.

Bess leaves to cherish her memory two daughters: Sandra Kay (Willard) Morgan of

Cane Valley, KY and April Rena (Guy) Shepperd of Columbia, KY; and one son,

Vincent Lonnie (Jamie) Whitson of Winter Haven, FL.

She is also survived by two siblings: Charles Nelson and Marie Larson of Springfield, IL.

She leaves behind nine adored grandchildren, five of which live locally: Angela (Mark)

Trulock, Bethany Catron, Candace (Daniel) Antle, Tiffany (Garret) McElroy and

Bailey Shepperd. Grandchildren Rene Whatley of McComb, MS, Allan Whitson, Jeremy Whitson Jason Whitson of Winter Haven, FL also survive. Bess was blessed with 11 great

grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

A public memorial service for family and friends will be held Saturday, July 17, 2010

at 1:00 P. M. at Stotts-Phelps-McQueary Funeral Home with Brother Guy Shepperd

officiating.

A private service will also be held at the gravesite of Bess’ parents in Haven Hill

Cemetery immediately following the memorial service. The Family has chosen cremation