Velma Jean Nichelson of Waynesville was born on Monday, April 11, 1938, at St. Anthony, a daughter of Alvis Lawton and Velma Marine (Clark) Bailey and departed this life at 9:02 p.m., on Tuesday evening, November 7, 2017 at her residence in Waynesville. Mrs. Nichelson had been in failing health and had attained the age of 79 years, 6 months and 27 days.

Mrs. Nichelson was united in marriage on July 14, 1956, at Iberia to Teddy Ray Nichelson and to this union, five children were born. She was preceded in death by her husband on May 3, 1994; her parents, Alvis and Velma Bailey and one brother, Ellis DeWayne Bailey.

Mrs. Nichelson was a loving and devoted housewife and homemaker for all her working life, always diligent in providing for the needs of her family. She enjoyed crocheting, golf, quilting and reading.

Those left to mourn the passing of Mrs. Nichelson include: her children, Deborah Ann Cross and her companion, Henry Roster; Del Rae Nichelson and her companion, Randy Adam, all of Rolla; Jerry Don Nichelson, Neosho; Jeanie Marine and Mark Rowden, Waynesville and Kenneth Brian and Stephanie Nichelson, Rolla; three sisters, Wilma Dean Helton, Catoosa, Oklahoma; Mathiel Aliene and George Alexander, Dixon and Annette Louise Dake, Iberia; seven grandchildren, Jennifer Cross, Kasey Keller, Kayla Nichelson, Kameron Nichelson, Emily Nichelson, Kristen Rowden and Caleb Rowden; four great-grandchildren; nephews; nieces; and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held for Mrs. Nichelson at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, November 10, 2017 in the Long-Kloeppel Funeral Chapel, Dixon with Mark Rowden, Stonebrooke Church, Waynesville, officiating.

Interment was in the Seaton Cemetery near Dixon under the direction of the Long-Kloeppel Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Dixon. Pallbearers for Mrs. Nichelson were Tommy Alexander, Mark French, Henry Roster, Randy Adam, Alex French, Caleb Rowden, Wes Davidson and Donny Bailey. Honorary pallbearers were George Alexander and Oscar Alexander.