Frances Nelson Elko departed this life on March 18, 2018 after courageously battling a long and heartbreaking illness with dementia. She was preceded in death by her husband, William and parents, Newton and Lucille Nelson; and two brothers, Thomas and James. She was a member of Highland United Methodist Church and attended St. Ann Catholic Church. Frances loved flowers, gardening and most of all her children and grandchildren. She loved them all dearly and they loved her with a love that will never fade. She is survived by her three loving and devoted daughters, Terri Burch and husband, Stan of Chesterfield, Kimberly Cregger of Dinwiddie, and Donna Burton and husband, Chuck of Chester; four loving granddaughters, Shelly McBride, Susan Fucci (Edward), Christina Sheppard (David), and Ashton Ferrara (Jason); two great-grandchildren, Madison McBride and Brenden Cregger; a sister, Jane Ford (Gordon) of Colonial Heights; and a brother, Robert Nelson of Colonial Heights. A Funeral Service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday, March 23, 2018 at St. Ann Catholic Church, 17111 Jefferson Davis Highway, S. Chesterfield, Virginia 23834 with Fr. Danny Cogut, Celebrant. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park, Chester. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, March 22, 2018 at the Colonial Heights Chapel of the E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes & Crematory, 2033 Boulevard. Throughout her disease, Frances fought diligently to hold onto pieces of her life, and until the end the kind glimmer of light and love was present and seen in her eyes. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in remembrance of Francis to the Bon Secours Community Hospice House, 1133 Old Bon Air Road, Bon Air, VA 23235, for their care and support carried her family through a difficult time. Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.

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