NEWPORT NEWS - Alverta Miller Nelson, 90, concluded her life here on earth Monday, April 25, 2016.

She was born on August 19, 1925, in Baltimore, Maryland to William and Margaret Miller. She grew up in Newport News, graduated from Newport News High School, and attended Business College.

Alverta never met a stranger and was committed to serving others with joy and compassion while living life to the fullest. She was employed as the first Director of Volunteers at Patrick Henry Hospital, and then served as the Director of Volunteers at Riverside Hospital for fifteen years retiring in 1987.

Following her 80th birthday, she became an active resident of the Warwick Forest Retirement Community where she cherished the many friends she made among neighbors and staff.

Alverta was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Arthur W. Nelson; her friend and companion, Lee Gallant; and her brother-in-law, Irvin Fenton, Jr.

She is survived by her son, David A. Nelson; her daughter, Susan A. Piland; her favorite son-in-law, R.S. "Mike" Piland, Jr.; her sister, Nancy Fenton; her grandson and his wife, Matthew and Siobhan Leonard; her great-grandchildren, Shelton Piland and Luke Leonard; and her daughter-by-choice, Donna Hardisty (Steve). She was a beloved aunt to children in the Nelson, Goorsky, Fenton, and Gallant families.

A Celebration of Alverta's New Life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 14, 2016, at Resurrection Lutheran Church, 765 J. Clyde Morris Blvd., Newport News, VA 23601. The service will be followed by a reception at Warwick Forest.

At her request, Alverta's body was donated for scientific study to the Virginia State Anatomical Program.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Resurrection Lutheran Church or the Salvation Army, 1033 Big Bethel Road, Hampton, VA 23666.

Arrangements are by Weymouth Funeral Home.View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.

Published in Daily Press on May 08, 2016.

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May 03, 2016

  Sweet Alverta...I will miss you. Until your fall, you were the glue that held the Evergreen together. Reading your obit, I see your organizational skills go way back. You were the most empathetic, most energetic lady, and genuinely interested in those around you. Thank you for the many kindnesses you showed my mother the two years she lived at the Evergreen. I will treasure your memory.

~ Mary Ann Newton, Seattle, Washington

 

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May 03, 2016 

Your mom was such a special lady when my dad was in the Evergreen with her. She was always so bright and caring for everyone, especially my dad, Don Baals. A real bright spot in my day! We had our parents for so long and I know you will miss her every day.

Karen Baals Stiff

~ Karen Baals Stiff
 

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May 03, 2016 

It saddens me for your loss of Alverta. As I write this, I can hear her contagious laughter during the many times shared with her. I also recall how generous she was with her time, how she never knew a stranger and was ALWAYS fun to be around. She was such a special friend to my family and me. I can warmly reflect on those many wonderful memories and recall the many stories my mother shared with me of her times with Alverta. Her positive and reassuring attitude were always a comfort. She was such an inspiration and I shall carry loving thoughts of her for the rest of my life. I loved her and will miss her. My love is now extended to you. Please let me know how I can be of any assistance. Huge hugs and much love.

~ Steven Givens, Newport News, Virginia

 

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May 04, 2016 

So many happy memories of your mom and the laughs we shared back in the "old days." She was a special person who never met a stranger. My love and prayers go out to each of you left behind. Bert Woessner

~ Bert Woessner

 

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May 04, 2016 

I first met Alverta when I started working at RLC. She was always willing to help out when I needed her and so much fun to be around. I am sure anyone who knew her is saddened by her loss, but there is a very bright light burning in Heaven tonight. May all of her family and friends have peace and comfort.

~ Ethel Gamble, Leechburg, Pennsylvania
 

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May 08, 2016 

Susan, I was so sorry to read the news of your mom. I remember all the fun times we had together with Lee, the Gallant clan, the Story's, and numerous others. She was a beautiful lady inside and out. She will be missed.
Pat (Weth) Calvert

~ Pat Calvert, Newport News, Virginia

 

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