Jacqueline Monna Dotson Olcott Nelson – Though weakened considerably over years of declining health and advancing age, Jacqueline Nelson’s heart never lost its capacity to love, to reach out with endless compassion, and to pray diligently for anyone she knew was hurting.

As Mother’s Day approached, Jackie peacefully slipped away to heaven on Friday, May 6, 2022 – more than ready to be in the presence of the Lord and Savior she had loved since childhood.  Born on Feb. 8, 1927, in Parkersburg, W. Va., Jackie excelled in her chosen career in the travel industry, where she delighted in designing unique tours and experiences and creating lifelong memories for her clients.  A seasoned world traveler herself, Jackie’s own favorite destinations included South America and Japan. She also enjoyed reading the works of current and past literary greats, as well as completing daily crossword puzzles.  Jackie was always an engaged listener, whether she was in the company of family, friends, or anyone else who needed encouragement and an attentive ear. A faithful member of Victory Church in Yorktown, Va., and the church’s oldest congregant, Jackie fervently sought guidance from the scriptures, spending hours in prayer and Bible studies daily.  

She was predeceased by the father of her children, John W. Olcott, Jr., husband Victor D. Nelson, and her brother, Ronald Dotson.  Surviving are her daughter, Pastor Stephenie Olcott Shanks, and her husband, Pastor Mark Shanks, with whom Jackie had resided in Newport News, Va., for the past six years; and a son, John W. “Spin” Olcott, III, and his wife, Jeanny.  Grandchildren include Micah and Luke Shanks, Jonathan Shanks and wife Ashley, Caitlin Shanks Prairie and husband Michael, Virginia Jacqueline “V.J.” Olcott Gay and husband Steven, along with great-grandchildren Andrew, Caleb, Chloe, Phoebe, Hannah, and Jude, she also leaves behind many dear friends in her former home state of Florida.

We extend our grateful appreciation to Riverside’s Intensive Care Unit, the Riverside Hospice staff who attended Jackie and ministered lovingly to our family, as well as to the Cremation Society of Virginia-Newport News.  Each of these organizations and their professionals covered us in compassion, gentleness, and caring.

A homegoing service will take place at 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 22, 2022, at Victory Church, 410 E. Yorktown Rd, Yorktown, Va. 23693.  Jackie’s favorite color was green, the color our Lord chose from His palette to paint the awakening of the earth in springtime, and friends and family are welcome to wear green in her memory.  At a later date, Jackie’s cremains will be released privately over the open water, which brought her countless hours of pleasure throughout her life.   

We are grateful beyond measure for the 95 years Jackie was ours. As a family of believers, we know that this separation from our beloved mother and grandmother is only temporary.  Until we see her again – happy, whole, and more alive than ever – we will hold fast to the words of our Savior, in which Jackie found immense comfort throughout the trials of this life. “Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid.” John 14: 27