Mary Alice was born on April 29, 1939, in Ruston, Louisiana, to Callie Allen and Nathan Fields. In her early years, she attended Lincoln Elementary School. As a teenager, her family relocated to Amarillo, Texas, where she attended Carver High School. During her time there, Mary was active in the school choir, a member of the 4-H Club, and proudly marched as a majorette.

After graduating, Mary pursued a career in nursing, attending Amarillo College, where she earned her Licensed Vocational Nursing (LVN) diploma. She later met and married her high school sweetheart, Clarence Nelson, in 1955. From this union, five children were born: one daughter, Rosland, and four sons, Russell, Darrell, Spencer, and Victor Nelson.

While raising her family, Mary continued to advance her education. She attended Los Angeles Valley College, where she earned an Associate of Arts degree in Nursing. Mary dedicated her life to caring for others through her extensive nursing career. She worked at Victory Community Hospital in various departments, including Labor and Delivery, and served as a charge nurse in the Medical-Surgical unit. She later transferred to Olive View UCLA Medical Center, where she worked in multiple units, including the female active tuberculosis unit (formerly known as the TB Sanctuary), adolescent unit, pediatric unit, and Medical-Surgical unit. She ultimately transitioned to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where she faithfully served until her retirement in March 2004, after 37 years of dedicated service.

Mary joined Calvary Baptist Church of Pacoima in August 1970, where her mother, Callie Allen, was already a member. She briefly served as a church nurse under the leadership of Ruth Moten. Mary was also a proud member of Beta Pi Sigma Sorority, Inc., a national business and professional organization based in Los Angeles, dedicated to civic and educational advancement, including providing scholarships to students.

Mary was a beautiful person—warm, kind, and welcoming to all. She had a passion for cooking and graciously opened her home for family gatherings, often providing a place of comfort and support for loved ones in need. She enjoyed traveling with her husband, mother, and children, and her hobbies included fishing, camping, puzzles, shopping, sewing, cooking, and decorating family homes. She found joy in dancing and had a deep appreciation for musicals, plays, and concerts. In her leisure time, she enjoyed watching her favorite television dramas, including Chicago Fire, NCIS, and S.W.A.T., among others.

Mary also had a true love for fashion and carried herself with natural style and confidence. A true fashionista, she had a special talent for turning even the simplest outfit—like a pair of sweatpants and a top—into something effortlessly stylish. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family and reading her Bible.

On Sunday, May 10, 2026—Mother’s Day—God called Mary home to eternal rest.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence “Popcorn” Nelson, who passed on Sunday, June 15, 1986—Father’s Day; her mother, Callie Allen; her son, Spencer Nelson; and her first-born great-grandson, John Joseph Bray II.

Mary’s legacy will live on through her loving family: her daughter and son-in-law, Rosland and Risden Pinks of San Fernando, California; her son and daughter-in-law, Russell and Wanda Nelson of Lake View Terrace, California; her son and fiancée, Darrell Nelson and Erica Lee of North Hollywood, California; and her son and fiancée, Victor Nelson and Tamara Robinson of Stockton and Oxnard, California. She is also survived by her special cousin, who was like a sister, Joyce Miles of Pacoima, California; ten grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and a host of relatives, colleagues, church family and dear friends.