Nelda Jean (Wilson) Wilson

Nelda Wilson, 81, passed away on February 12, 2022.
Nelda was the first born child of Martha and Jim Wilson. Survived by brothers, Bill Wilson (Karen), and Dale Wilson, sister, Nancy Unruh, children, Patrick and Sarah Wilson, and many loving friends and family members.
Nelda lived in Ohio all of her life, but her heart was in rural Tennessee where she spent many summers. She was a survivor of the 1940's polio epidemic, and was the last child admitted to the hospital in her neighborhood.
She graduated from Cuyahoga Falls High School in 1958, and Akron General Nursing School in 1961. Even as a student, she was drawn to caring for babies with "open spine" for which there was no treatment. She spent her entire career at Akron Children's Hospital, and retired after 38 years.
In 1969, Nelda became the first single person to adopt a child in Summit County, a baby born with spina bifida, whom she named Patrick Clifford, after the legendary doctor who performed the surgery that saved his life. Years later, she adopted another child, Sarah, with the same condition. She courageously advocated for integrated schools and sports, and was involved in starting the "Myelo Moms" support group. She was immensely proud of her children's successes in wheel chair athletics, drama, and employment.
In the late 1980's home ventilator care became available and she trained families for the transition from hospital to home care. Her first case was Anthony Ellis, who became her "grandson" and cherished companion.
Nelda has always been an avid fan of Elvis, southern gospel, and Michael English. She was a member of the Community Vineyard Church in Cuyahoga Falls.
Memorial to take place at Community Vineyard Church, 2543 State Rd., Cuyahoga Falls, on Saturday, March 5. Calling hours begin at 10:00, funeral to follow at 11:00. IN LIEU OF flowers, please donate to Akron Children's Hospital Spina Bifida Fund.