Clydene Nelson, 75, of Jonesboro, Arkansas, died peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, November 22, 2022, with her children at her side.

Born in Jonesboro in 1947, Clydene grew up in Bay, Arkansas, and obtained both her bachelor's and master's degrees from Arkansas State University. She taught Math at Brookland Public Schools before fulfilling her dream of opening her own business, Sew Unique Formalwear.

She was a gifted seamstress, and she created amazing formals for brides and bridesmaids, prom-goers, pageant girls, and more.  She crafted some of her best work in the over-the-top Halloween costumes she made each year for her own granddaughters.

She later went to work at the East Arkansas Area Agency on Aging where she served as the transportation manager for more than a decade until her retirement in 2013.

She was smart and funny, and she loved her family fiercely.  She told anyone who would listen about her brilliant granddaughters, and she took great pride in knowing that she contributed to their brilliance.

Clydene was preceded in death by her husband of 44 years, Tom Nelson; her father, Clyde Kendrick; and her mother, Lou Ada Kendrick.

She is survived by son Craig Nelson of Jonesboro; daughter Amy (Dave) Carter, of Benton, Arkansas; grandchildren, Emma and Claire; sister Myra (Carroll) Morris; brother Charles Kendrick; nieces; a nephew; and a host of beloved extended family and friends.

Funeral services will be Saturday, December 3, at Gregg-Langford-Bookout Funeral Home in Jonesboro. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. with services at 11:00 a.m. Donations may be made to the St. Bernards Foundation to support the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House.