Carol Nelson

Carol Lyn Nelson, 74, passed away on Thursday, January 2, 2020. Carol was born to the late Cleo and Rex Scofield on March 31, 1945 in Salem, Oregon.

She lived with her grandparents until their death, and later lived with her late Aunt Louise and Uncle Cecil Schaefer. She married Vernon Nelson on March 20, 1968 in the Manti Utah Latter-day Saints Temple and resided in Orem, Utah.

In her early years, Carol enjoyed singing as a professional opera singer and soloist in Portland, Oregon. She sang for the USO (United Service Organization) and Portland Opera Society. She was chosen as a queen in the Rose Festival parade in 1963. In October 1965, Carol met the “Mormon” missionaries who transformed her life. She soon joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She stated, “I no longer  had the desire to be an opera star.” This led to what she ultimately claims as the Greatest Highlight in her life, her Eternal Family. She moved to Provo, Utah and met her husband of 52 years, built a home in Orem together, and raised four sons. If you knew Carol (or even if you didn’t), you know this to be true, as this is all she would talk about to everyone: her sons’ accomplishments in life, and how she truly loved each one. She loved serving in various church callings. Teaching children in primary and Cub Scouts, directing music, and welcoming new members with freshly baked loaves of bread each week with compassionate service. Carol also found joy in family history work and attending the temple regularly. Recently, she was able to connect with a long lost brother as well as two half brothers and found numerous half siblings that she never knew about.

Carol was also a cosmetologist, an excellent cook and baker, and a wonderful homemaker. She enjoyed knitting and crocheting blankets to donate to humanitarian aid. She also enjoyed sharing her talents by volunteering at the Senior Center for several years.

Carol is survived by her husband Vernon J Nelson of Orem; 4 sons: Vance (Naheeda) of Carrollton, Texas, Clint (Sandi) of Saratoga Springs, Jerry of Orem, Chad (Sheri) of Lindon; and 9 grandchildren: Tristen, Tatiana, Nathan, Parker, Whitney, Garrett, Emma, Kylah, and Oakley; her sister Vickie Platt of Oregon City; Brothers: Dr. Melvin Scofield of Mesquite, Nevada, Ric Scofield of Troutdale, Oregon.  Carol was preceded in death by her sister Nancy Tonkin of Oregon City, Oregon, and her brother Larry Scofield of Falls City, Oregon.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, January 9th at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 590 North 900 West, Orem.  Viewings will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, January 8th at Sundberg-Olpin Mortuary, 495 South State Street, Orem, and from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church, prior to the services.  Interment will be in the Orem City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to a humanitarian cause of your choice.

Condolences may be expressed to the family on this page.