Nelda Jane Young

Nelda Jane Young passed away peacefully in Atlanta, GA on June 17, 2017 at the age of 74, after fighting Alzheimer’s Disease for over a decade. She is survived by her devoted husband of 56 years, Frank, her son Russell and his wife Melissa, grandson Eric, and sister Mona, as well as two nieces, Ramona and Robin, and their children and grandchildren. A private memorial service was held Tuesday.

Nelda was born in Shreveport, LA in 1943 to Keet and Dorothy, and lived in Shreveport throughout her childhood, where her father owned and operated a drug store. She graduated from Byrd High School in 1961 and married Frank one week later. After Frank graduated from Centenary College, they lived in New Mexico, Washington state, and North Carolina, before settling in Maryland where they lived for 42 years.

Nelda was the first member of her family to receive a college degree, a B.S. in Hearing and Speech Science from the University of Maryland. She worked primarily as a managing secretary to high level administrators at the University of Maryland, finishing her career as assistant to the president of a small defense contracting firm in Maryland. She was a volunteer with the Literacy Council, teaching adults how to read. In addition to being a loving mother and wife, Nelda was an avid runner, loved reading books, and enjoyed square dancing. She was known for her long, flaming red hair and big smile. She will be missed by numerous friends and loved ones, blessed by her warm and cheerful spirit.