EMERALD ISLE - Wilma Jane Fague Nelson, 79, of Emerald Isle, died August 2, 2018 at Carteret Memorial Hospital in Morehead City, NC surrounded by her loving family.

Wilma was born December 8, 1938 to the late William James and Dorothy Ann Dow Fague in Portland, Oregon. She graduated from Seaside High in 1956 where she met her husband, Donald Albert Nelson. They were married and moved to North Carolina, first landing in Enfield, NC and eventually making their home by the sea in Emerald Isle, NC.

Wilma was feisty and fully in charge. After her husband, Don, died, she held court from her home on the Point in Emerald Isle, where she kept everyone in line including the Army Corps of Engineers, CAMA, the US Coast Guard and the Emerald Isle Police Department. She was a mother figure, as well, to various kayakers, boaters, kiteboarders, paddleboarders and hordes of adoring friends, neighbors and children. She was an excellent hostess, cook, artist and shell collector. She was funny, kind and generous but possessed a wicked wit. For all these gifts and for many others, she will be sorely missed but never forgotten.

Wilma was preceded in death by her parents, husband and brother, Richard Allen Fague. She is survived by three daughters, Denice Nelson Keeter of Raleigh, Deborah Jane Nelson of Emerald Isle, Katie Nelson Locke of Enfield; one son, Ralph William Nelson of Raleigh; two granddaughters, Addie Dow Keeter and Katherine Harrison Keeter, both of Raleigh; two grandsons, John Richard Locke, Jr. and his wife Pamela of Enfield and William Nelson Locke of Red Oak; one adored great-grandson, Landyn Nelson Locke; and one sister, Patricia Ann Fague Robison of Rogers, Arkansas.

The family will receive friends Tuesday, August 7, 2018 at the Episcopal Church of the Advent in Enfield, NC from 1:00-1:45PM. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00PM with Rev. Ted Malone officiating. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery.