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Debra Nelson

Debra Nelson

Debra S. Nelson, 66, formerly of Spring Creek, PA, passed away on Saturday, September 28, 2024 at Sarah Reed Senior Living Facility in Erie.

She was born on June 3, 1958, in Warren, PA, a daughter to the late Kenneth and Patricia (Durlin) Shellhouse. She was a graduate of Youngsville High School and managed the Housekeeping Dept of the Holiday Inn, in Warren, for 28 years.

Debra was a woman with a very big heart as it needed to be as she had a little room in it for many who meant so much to her. Her life’s legacy wasn’t in the profession she had, the community events or non she attended, or the churches she stepped in or out of. But rather her unconditional love to the young, old and somewhere in between of whom she felt needed it. Three of her most proud accomplishments were adopting her children Amber, Jordan and Dante. Though God made it so she was unable to have children, he gave her the blessing of choosing them. She would often say, “I couldn’t love you kids anymore than if I would have had you myself.”

This same love she had for them was shared and poured out to any and everyone she crossed paths with. That list included friends, family and new or seasoned mothers who just needed a gentle reminder that who they were as individuals was enough, and their hearts were just as big and beautiful as the children they were helping to raise.

Debra was a natural born caregiver and ceased any opportunity to come through for others even if it meant putting her wants and needs on the back burner. This was no qualm for her because seeing others thriving and happy made her happy. At the end of the day, it was all God’s work in her eyes. Now that all of his work on her behalf is done, she can rest and know that when it came time for her to be carried, she had the best caregiver of all. God. For he said, “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

Debra is survived by her daughter, Amber (Anthony) Otto of Erie, Jordan Cooke and his significant other, Annie Byler, of FL and Dante Cooke, also of Erie and her grandchildren, Isaiah, Blakely, Breezy and Soul.

In addition to her parents, Debra was preceded in death by her husband, William Nelson and her mother-in-law, Hattie Nelson.

Per Debra’s wishes, no services will be held at this time.

Memorial donations may be made to the Nelson Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 314 N Main St, Youngsville, PA 16371.

Condolences to the family may be made at nelsonfuneralhome.net.