Esther Mae Simpson Nelson

Esther Mae Simpson Nelson, a lifelong resident of Trappe, passed away on Wednesday, April 28, 2004, at the age of 87. Born in Trappe on January 21, 1917, she was the daughter of the late Silas Edward and Sadie Mae Groves Simpson. She grew up assisting in the family poultry business and their general store, D. T. Simpson & Son. After graduating from Trappe High School in 1934, she completed post graduate studies in bookkeeping and business. In 1942 Esther married Ira C. Nelson, and during his decorated Army service at Normandy and other European arenas, she worked for Easton Wholesale. After the War, they were engaged in the broiler chicken business. In 1954 they founded Nelson Furniture Exchange, now known as Nelson Auction Gallery, Inc., where Esther remained very active until her death, enjoying warm relationships with many long time customers. Mr. Nelson, former Talbot County Delegate to the Maryland House, passed away in 1988. Esther was an active member of the Trappe United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women, serving in many capacities and forming close, lifelong friendships. She was very active in the Trappe Alumni Association, hosting reunions many years in the showroom of the Auction Gallery. A Life Member of the Order of the Eastern Star, she dedicated 69 years of her life to the Easton Chapter #65 and the Centerville Chapter #69, serving several terms as Worthy Matron and holding many other Chapter offices. Known for her tireless spirit and intense devotion to family and friends, she derived great joy in nurturing children and animals. Music was important in her life and she played piano for her Sunday School Class until recently. Esther’s presence with her family and in her beloved Trappe will be greatly missed. Surviving are her Daughter, Sharon Nelson Marshall, of Salisbury, Md.; two Sons, Ira C. “Bo” Nelson, Jr., and Edward N. Nelson and his wife, Charlene, all of Trappe; two Brothers, Silas E. Simpson, Jr., and his wife, Dorothy, of Elkridge, Md.; and William Lee Simpson and his wife, Helen, of Berlin, Md.; five Grandchildren, Mark E. Nelson and his wife, Gail, of Hebron, Md.; Rodney L. Nelson, of Trappe, P. Douglas Marshall, Jr. and his wife, Christal, of Salisbury, Md.; Holly Noelle Campbell and her husband, Jesse, of Alexandria, Va.; and Christy Joy Marshall, of Owings Mills, Md.; and one Great-Granddaughter, Emma Noelle Marshall, of Salisbury, Md. She was predeceased by infant Great-Granddaughter, Brooke Lily Marshall, in 2002. Esther is also survived by two nieces, Betty S. Morris and Karen S. Tamalavicz; four nephews, Dan L. Simpson, Neal W. Simpson, Graham F. Simpson, and Jay E. Simpson; and her cousin, W. Rembert Simpson. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 5th, at 11:00 A.M. at the Trappe United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at Upper Bambury Cemetery, Trappe. Friends may call at the Fellows, Helfenbein and Newnam Funeral Home, P.A., Easton, on Tuesday, May 4th, from 6-8 P.M.; or at the Church one hour prior to the service. An Eastern Star service will be conducted at 7 P.M. on Tuesday. Memorial donations may be made to the Trappe United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 362, Trappe, MD 21673; the Order of the Eastern Star, c/o Mary Johnson, P. O. Box 7, Crumpton, MD 21628; or the Talbot Hospice Foundation, 586 Cynwood Drive, Easton, MD 21601.