PORT GIBSON — Kareemie Ellis Nelson, 72, went home to the Lord on Saturday, May 17, 2014, after a long illness.

Kareemie was born in Port Gibson on Oct. 12, 1941, to Norman Ellis and Barbara Burks Ellis as the eldest of four children. She spent most of her life in Claiborne County, where she graduated from Port Gibson High School. She later attended Hinds Junior College, where she was a cheerleader and played on the basketball team.

She married the love of her life, John E. Nelson, in 1962. They had two children, Marilynne M. Nelson and John E. Nelson II. Kareemie owned Nelson’s Crossroad Store and Nelson Farms for many years.

She was a strong Christian, a member of the Methodist Church and attended Cursillo, as well as serving on Cursillo staff in both Mississippi and Alaska. She taught Sunday school for many years and loved reading to the children at the elementary school. She had a generous spirit, loved strongly, and never left you wondering where you stood with her.

Kareemie was preceded in death by her husband John; her son, Ed; her mother and father; her sister, Vickie Ellis; and her brother, Norman James Ellis.

She is survived by her daughter, Marilynne; her sister, Barbara Williams; nieces and nephews, and loving friends.

There will be a private graveside service followed by visitation at her home in Claiborne County from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 24, 2014.

Memorials may be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or if preferred, the charity of one’s choice.

On-line condolences may be sent to lairdfh.com.