Darlene Nelson

October 31, 1934 - September 14, 2020

Darlene Nelson, 85, of Centralia, passed away Monday, September 14, 2020 at SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital in Centralia. She was born October 31, 1934 in Centralia, the daughter of Frank Swartzlander and Margie (Wazelle) Swartzlander. She married Louis O. Nelson on April 17, 1955 at the Central City Baptist Church and he survives in Centralia. In addition to her loving husband of 65 years, Darlene is also survived by her two daughters: Darla McElroy and husband Randy of Royalton, and Kirby Albers and husband David of Centralia; two grandchildren: Brittany Huff and husband Josh of Centralia and Colton Albers of Centralia; two great-grandchildren: Hayden Huff and Hadley Huff both of Centralia; a brother: Donnie Swartzlander and wife Phyllis of Bryan, Texas; two sisters-in-law: Kay Swartzlander of Centralia and Janice Irvin of Salem; nieces and nephews: Ric Swartzlander, Brent Swartzlander and wife Michele, Gwen Engel, Dean Swartzlander and wife Tina, Gayle Groves and husband Jason, Dee Ann Arey and fiance’ Lex Jorge, and Brandon Swartzlander and wife Breanne; Jo Ann Sprouse; and several great nieces and nephews. Darlene was preceded in death by her parents: Frank and Margie Swartzlander and two brothers: Raymond Swartzlander and Richard Swartzlander. Darlene worked at Hollywood Candy Company and she also worked as a beautician. She was a very faithful member of Grace Church in Centralia for 28 years.  Darlene enjoyed collecting recipes, cooking for her family, and planting flowers with her husband. She always shared her love for Jesus with others and enjoyed writing in her journals about her daily life. Besides being a devoted wife and mother, “Nana”, as she was known to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, adored her family. She cherished the time she spent with them, whether it was traveling on vacation, going camping, or finding a new recipe to try for a family dinner at her home.  A Celebration of Life Service for Darlene Nelson will be held Saturday, September 19, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at the Grace Church in Centralia with Pastor Alan Nollman officiating. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Centralia. Visitation will be held Saturday morning from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the church, where those in attendance will be asked to wear a mask and observe social distancing. In honor of Darlene, memorial donations may be made to Grace Church of Centralia or to the Centralia Illinois Relay for Life and will be accepted at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home and Cremation Services at 235 North Sycamore Street, Centralia, Illinois 62801, (618)532-3523, who is honored to be of service to the Nelson family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home Facebook page.