Alma Vernal Harvey-Nelson

BLACKWATER - Alma Vernal Harvey-Nelson, 74, of Casa Grande died on Aug. 31, 2017, in Mesa.
Ms. Harvey-Nelson was born on Oct. 14, 1942, in Blackwater to Howard Harvey and Iva-Lee Scoffer-Harvey. She graduated from Coolidge High School in 1962 and studied nursing in Los Angeles. She married Tsosie Nelson there and started a family. After the birth of their first two children, the family moved back home to Blackwater, where they had three more children.
She was always busy and on the go and worked her whole life while still providing a loving home for her family. She worked for Babcock Co. in Coolidge and as a reserve officer for the Gila River Indian Community Police Department for many years. She also took a position at the juvenile detention center in Sacaton. Later, she worked at Juvenile Programs for Youth in Sacaton before retiring in 2009. She celebrated her love of God by singing in a gospel choir throughout her life. She was a devoted church member who was well known and loved by all.
She is survived by her three sons, Keith, Herman and Brent Nelson Sr.; their father, Tsosie Nelson; a sister, Leora Newman; six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter and son, Carol and Waylon Nelson, and four brothers, Gehrig Harvey, Ira Harvey, Freeman D. Jackson Sr. and Wayne Harvey.
Visitation from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, at the District 1 Multipurpose Building in Blackwater. Funeral at 7 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 10, at Blackwater Presbyterian Church, with Lynette Johns officiating. Burial in Squawbush Cemetery.
J. Warren Funeral Services, Cole & Maud The Gardens Chapel in charge of arrangements.