Mary Alice Nelson

Mary Alice Nelson, 88, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by love, with her son by her side.

Born on April 17, 1938, in Columbia, South Carolina, Mary was the daughter of James and Henrietta Mangum. She attended Columbia College for Business before marrying the love of her life, Lindsay R. Nelson, in 1961. Together they shared nearly 64 years of marriage before Lindsey’s passing in May 2025.

In 1963, Mary and Lindsay moved to Myrtle Beach, where they built a life centered on faith, family, and community. Together they opened and operated Nelson’s Men’s Shop, a well-known local clothing business. While helping run the family business, Mary devoted herself to raising their three sons and serving others through numerous charities and women’s organizations.

One cause especially close to Mary’s heart was the James W. Mangum Foundation, created with her son Jay in honor of her father. Through the foundation’s annual golf tournament, held for 25 years, more than $250,000 was raised to benefit local organizations and families in need.

Mary was known for her generous spirit and open home. She warmly welcomed family, friends, and traveling gospel singing groups, often hosting large gatherings filled with laughter, fellowship, and love. Whether cooking for a crowd or simply sharing conversation around her table, Mary made everyone feel like family.

Her life was rooted in her faith and her deep love for the Lord, her husband, her children, her family, and every person fortunate enough to know her.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Lindsay R. Nelson; her sons, Rocky Nelson and Jay Nelson; and her parents, James and Henrietta Mangum.

She is survived by her son, Rudy Nelson; her daughter-in-law, Renee Nelson, wife of her late son Rocky Nelson; her many beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and countless friends and extended family members whose lives she touched deeply.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a church of your choice in Mary’s memory.

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