Joyce Ann Nelsen

She passed in her home, surrounded by her loved ones. Her husband, daughters, grandchildren, family members, and close friends all held her as she was taken by our loving God to her reward in heaven.

Joyce was born at Olean General Hospital and grew up in Salamanca, NY.

Joyce was a registered nurse her entire life, graduating from Alfred State College after high school. She began her nursing career at WCA Hospital in Jamestown, NY. She worked shortly for Star Flite in Buffalo, NY as well. She was Director of Wilcare for several years before returning to her love for nursing in the ER. She spent her last years as a traveling nurse, working at Olean General Hospital.

Her love for nursing went hand-in-hand with the kind, caring, and gentle soul that she was. She touched so many hearts with her smile and tenderness.

Her husband, Paul was a police officer with the Jamestown Police Department. As fate and God would have it, they crossed paths at WCA emergency room, while both working. He saw her beautiful smile and fell in love with her.

They were married in 1999 and she opened her heart to his three children, Nicholas, Diane, and Brian.

They brought two more daughters into this world, Abbie and Halle. Her love for her children defined her life.

She said her life was finally complete when her two girls were born. Her heart was full.

Her love was shared with her grandchildren as they entered her life. She loved to show them all how to bake cookies from scratch in the kitchen. The flour and love covered themselves and the kitchen on many occasions.

There are not enough words to express her devotion and love for her Savior, Jesus Christ. Joyce was baptized into Christ at the Jamestown Church of Christ. Her time spent in Bible study and worship service was cherished by her. She relied on God’s promises and entered into His rest for eternity. She praised God and spread Christ’s message until her last breath with those around her. She was truly a light to all who knew her.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents James “Jim” and Harriet Mendell.

She is survived by her husband, Paul of 25 years, her daughters Abbie and Halle, as well as her other children Nicholas, Diane (Nathan), and Brian; grandchildren Bailey, Tobey, Tayla, and Owen; her brother Jim, and her sisters Judy, Janice, Jerri, and Julie.

The family will receive relatives and friends for a Celebration of Joyce’s life at 1:00 PM, Friday, February 28, 2025 from the Jamestown Church of Christ, 875 Fairmont Avenue, Jamestown. A dinner will follow in the fellowship Hall.

Memorial contributions may be left in her memory to the Church at the address listed above.

Arrangements are entrusted to the care of the VanRensselaer & Son Funeral Home, 14 Church Street, Randolph.