Cherri Whaley "Patsy" Nelson

Ms. Cherri “Patsy” Whaley Tucker Nelson, age 79, of Rome, Georgia, passed away on March 14, 2026, at a local nursing home surrounded by her family.

Born in Rome on January 20, 1947, she was the daughter of the late OC “Joe” Whaley and the late Kathleen Owens. Patsy was a graduate of Cedartown High School, where she played clarinet in the school band. Known for her quick wit and lively spirit, she kept those around her laughing and always on their toes. She cherished traveling on cruises with friends, yet nothing meant more to her than her family. Her granddaughters and great-granddaughter were the light of her life, and she spent as much time with them as possible. A longtime member of Pleasant Valley North Baptist Church, she is now rejoicing in the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Thomas “Tommy” Tucker, her second husband, Monty Rufus Nelson, and a son, Barry Nelson.

Survivors include her three children, Leigh Ann Tucker Johnson (Kenny) of Armuchee, Melody Burke (Pat) of Owens Crossing, Alabama, and Brad Nelson of Panama City Beach, Florida; grandchildren Haley Johnson Sizemore (Derek), Jaycie Johnson (Ryland Steen), Seth Burke (Hannah Gillam), Ross Nelson (Brittney), Dustin Nelson, Judith Nelson, Brandon Nelson, and Connor Radziwon; great-grandchildren River Sizemore, Logan Nelson, Alora Nelson, Raven Nelson, and Kaiden Nelson; and many dear friends whom she loved deeply.