Marilyn Nelson

Marilyn Nelson, a gentle and whimsical soul, passed away peacefully on May 7, 2026, at her home in DeLand, surrounded by the family and love she cherished so deeply. She was 70 years old.

Born on July 19, 1955, Marilyn spent her life generously showing up for the people around her. Those who knew her felt her kindness without her ever needing to raise her voice.

Marilyn dedicated years of her working life to Olan Mills Photography and the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, where she found valued connection and community. But her truest passions were found at the water’s edge. She was a devoted beachcomber, happily spending hours searching for sea beans along the shore, and she held a special kind of magic, the kind that could coax a cloud right out of the sky. Annual trips to Disney brought her joy, and she never missed a chance to spoil her beloved cat, Buddha, who was as much her child as any.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, Edna and William Nelson, Sr.; her sister, Carol Fox; and her daughter, Amanda Freeman.

She is survived by her loved ones: Chastity Burke; daughter Sarah Vaughn; granddaughter Adele Neckles; sisters Nancy Hall, Shirley Harrell, and Betty Tuten; and brother William Nelson, Jr.

During her final years, she developed a beautifully special bond with her brother-in-law, Jerry Hall, whose presence and care meant the world to her.

A Celebration of Life will be planned for later this summer, following Marilyn’s final trip to Ponce Inlet, a fitting farewell for a woman who loved the sea. Details will be shared once arrangements are confirmed.

She will be remembered in the quiet moments: a soft voice, a kind gesture, a disappearing cloud, and Buddha curled up beside his tablet, spoiled exactly as he should have been.