Peggy Joyce Nelson, 95, of Paducah, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at Parkview Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Paducah, KY. Peggy was born on October 23, 1930, in Paris, TN. She was a co-owner of Paducah Recapping Services where she worked alongside her late husband, Morris "Red" Nelson. Her meticulous work as a bookkeeper reflected her dedication and attention to detail, contributing steadfastly to the business's success. Peggy’s servant heart was also evident in her volunteer work at Lourdes Hospital as a “Pink Lady,” helping transport patients throughout the hospital in wheelchairs.
Beyond her career, Peggy was known for her vibrant personality and her Christian faith, which served as a foundation for her life's journey. As an avid dancer, with a particular talent for Ballroom dancing, she delighted in the elegance and grace it brought to her life. Her zest for life also extended to the great outdoors, where she enjoyed gardening, camping, and boating. Remarkably, she shared a love of riding motorcycles with Red, continuing their spirited adventures well into their eighties.
Peggy leaves behind a loving family who carry forward her legacy. She is survived by her loving son, Jimmy Nelson, and his wife Peggy Lynn, of Paducah; her devoted daughter, Linda Belcher, and her husband Dennis, also of Paducah; her daughter-in-law Patricia Nelson of Surprise, AZ; ten grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren, who will all continue to honor her memory. Additionally, Peggy’s extended family includes two nephews, Randy Shankle and his wife Jayne of Paducah, and Phil Shankle of Paducah, along with two nieces, Sharon Mitchell and her husband Nathan, and Paula Theilman, both residing in Paducah.
In addition to her husband, Peggy was preceded in death by her son, Don Nelson; her mother, Johnnie Shankle; three brothers, Robert Shankle, J.P. Shankle, and James Shankle; three sisters, Virginia Gordon, Meredith Harris and Lillian Amos; two nieces; and three nephews.
As we remember Peggy Joyce Nelson, we honor a woman whose life was rich with love, faith, and vitality. Her extraordinary journey, marked by spirited pursuits and steadfast devotion to her family and community, leaves a lasting impression on all who knew her. Her legacy endures in the hearts of those she loved and in the strong family she nurtured throughout her remarkable life.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date. Keeling & Goodman Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Nelson family.
