Phyllis Jean Nelson

Phyllis Andrews Nelson was born on January 29, 1924, in Charlotte, Michigan, to Agnes T. (Spencer) Andrews and Clarence Carson Andrews. She passed away on February 4, 2026 at the remarkable age of 102.

Phyllis spent the majority of her life in her beloved hometown of Charlotte, Michigan. For a brief stint in the 1940s, Phyllis and her mother moved to Phoenix, Arizona, where she met Arley Leland Nelson. After a short courtship, they were married in January of 1947 in San Diego, California. It was in Arizona that they welcomed Cheryl and Val to their family. In the early 1950s, they returned to Charlotte, where they made their home and some years later welcomed a second son, Kevin.

Phyllis was a hardworking and determined woman throughout her life. She worked for Aluminum Extrusions before starting her own business, Charlotte Collection and Reporting Bureau. She later partnered with Arley in operating H & R Block offices in Charlotte and Eaton Rapids.

Phyllis had a deep love for music. She played the saxophone in the Charlotte High School Band, an experience she remembered fondly, and performed in numerous high school plays, which she greatly enjoyed. She also shared her talents by playing the piano for church events. An accomplished singer, Phyllis could often be seen throughout central Michigan performing alongside Arley.

A devoted Christian, Phyllis was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She loved serving others and lived a life centered on her Savior, Jesus Christ. She was sealed to her beloved husband, Arley, for time and all eternity in the Phoenix Arizona Temple. She looked forward with joy to being reunited with him. Phyllis especially loved serving in the temple, working for several years in the Chicago Temple and later in the Detroit Temple.

Family was at the heart of Phyllis’s life. She loved spending time with her loved ones and enjoyed games of all kinds—especially Chicken Foot dominoes and card games. A formidable pinochle player for much of her life, she later took great delight in playing a game called Garbage. Even as her eyesight faded, she somehow always had the perfect cards at just the right moment and defeated her opponents without mercy.

Phyllis is survived by her children, Cheryl (Jay) Hanger of West Jordan, Utah; Val Nelson of Charlotte, and Kevin (Jeanene) Nelson of Gunnison, Colorado. She was blessed with 15 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Arley and daughter-in-law Carolyn Anderson Nelson.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2026 from 1pm to 3pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 200 North Bostwick, Charlotte, Michigan 48813. Interment will be at the Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, Michigan, where she will rest alongside her husband, Arley.