Jane (Copple) Nelms

Martha “Jane” (Copple) Nelms, 77, of Centralia passed away at 9:16 p.m. Friday, November 10, 2023, at SSM Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon.

Jane was born on May 4, 1946, the daughter of John H. and Daphne Maxine Copple in Centralia. She married Robert “Pete” Nelms on August 15, 1969, at Boyd Christian Church, and he preceded her in death on February 6, 2008.

Jane is survived by her sister, Nancy (Don) Russell of Nashville; her brothers, Billy Joe (Pat) Copple of Effingham, Tom (Sherry) Copple of Walnut Hill, and Steve (Sharlet) Copple of Walnut Hill; special friend, David Stewart; nieces and nephews, Terri (Clark) Mearns, Mona (Tony) Parkinson,  Pat (Gary) Bronson, Sandy (Larry) Steckel, Michelle (Mike) Wazlawek, Scott (Carrie) Copple, Jay (Leslee) Copple, Stacey (Dave) Fults, John (Ashley) Copple, Sara (AJ) Smith, and Chad Copple; 20 great-nieces and great-nephews; and 10 great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews.

Along with her husband of 38 years, Robert Nelms, Jane was preceded in death by her parents, John H. and Maxine; and her brother, John E. Copple.

Jane lived in California and worked for Long Drug Store until her return to Centralia in 1999. She worked for St. Mary’s Hospital Print shop until her retirement. Jane was an excellent seamstress and did alterations for many people. She could make anything from a picture. During the pandemic, she made face masks by the dozens for people.

She was also on the Clean and Green Board, currently serving as secretary. She was also a member of the Bells of Praise at the First Christian Church in Centralia. Jane was a member of the Calumet Street Christian Church. She was a former member of Centralia BPW and member of WCHCE.

Jane enjoyed her weekly card playing with friends, decorating her house for seasons and holidays, putting up her village every year for Christmas, spending time with family and traveling with David.

A celebration of life service will be held at 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia with Pastor Anthony Sweeney officiating. Burial at Jefferson Barracks in St. Louis, where she will be laid to rest by her husband. Friends and relatives are welcome to a visitation time to offer words of comfort and condolences to the family from 4:00 p.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday at the funeral home in Centralia. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Jane’s honor to Forever Bronze Hand Bell Ensemble or to the Donor’s Choice. Online condolences and memories of Jane may be shared with the family by visiting www.maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.

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