Valencia Yvonne Nelms' Obituary
Valencia Yvonne Watkins Nelms passed away peacefully at the age of 63 in Dallas, Texas. She was born in Birmingham, Alabama and raised in Detroit, Michigan. She returned to Alabama as an adult, where she built a meaningful life rooted in faith, family, and service. In her later years, she moved to Dallas to be near her children and continue her work in nursing.
Valencia worked as a nurse for over 30 years, caring for patients across nearly every specialty. Her career began with the City of Birmingham and continued at Kirkland Clinic, UAB, and St. Vincent’s Hospital. She later worked in home health with Gentiva, took on several travel assignments in Dallas, and most recently served as a Patient Coordinator at UT Southwestern. She earned her nursing degree from Brookhaven College and poured her heart into every patient she cared for.
She was a woman of faith and purpose. Valencia taught Sunday School at Bethel Missionary Baptist Church and served in the Women’s Ministry at Faith Chapel Christian Center. Her life was a reflection of the values she held close—faith, family, humility, and giving.
Valencia was known for her sharp mind and generous spirit. She was the kind of person who would go without so others could have what they needed—and never complain. She loved cooking for others and passed her recipes and skills to her children and anyone in need of a good meal. Christmas was her favorite holiday, and she filled it with warmth, laughter, and love. She enjoyed reading, journaling, thrifting, decorating, and planning beautiful gatherings. She believed deeply in education and made sure her children pursued excellence not just in the classroom, but in how they carried themselves and treated others. She loved being part of a community and took joy in meaningful conversations, shared history, and family moments. She was preceded in death by her parents, Donald Watkins Sr. and Betty Carter. She is survived by her children Calvin Nelms, Brieanna Nelms, and James Freeman III; her siblings Glen, Donald II, Tracy, Robert, Kevin, Kijafa, Supima, Djenawa, and Donald Jamal; and countless family, friends, and loved ones whose lives she touched deeply.
Valencia built community wherever she went, and her life will continue to inspire all who knew her.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Philippians 4:13
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