Mary Jo Nelson was born on June 8, 1935 in Cincinnati, Ohio to the union of Irene and William Richard Isham. She departed this life on February 12, 2023 into the arms of The Lord.

Mary, whose biological father died when she was a small child, was raised by her mother Irene and her loving stepfather, Charles Matthews.  She grew up in Cincinnati's West End community and attended Cincinnati Public Schools.  After graduating from Woodward High School in 1955, she enrolled at The University of Cincinnati, where she obtained a bachelor's degree in education.  Mary taught elementary students at various schools, including Garfield, Hyde Park and Losantiville Elementary schools. She returned to UC to earn her master's degree in education while teaching full time.

Mary married Hasker Nelson Jr. on December 24, 1960.  Their union was blessed with one son, Christopher Nelson.  She was funny, caring and empathetic, three traits that made her an outstanding teacher.  She started working with children as a college student at the Children's Convalescent Home.  A career in education with a natural fit for her.  She also loved knitting, crocheting, crafts and crossword puzzles.  She retired from teaching in the early 1990's.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William Richard and Irene Isham, Stepfather Charles Matthews; her brother Richard Isham.  She leaves to celebrate her memory, her son, Christopher Nelson, a host of friends and a community of students she touched throughout her teaching career.