Vena Kay Nelson

Vena Kay Orange Nelson, age 62 years, a former resident of Vienna, passed away Saturday morning, March 4, 2023, at 8 AM at the Metropolis Rehabilitation and Health Care Center. Vena was born April 15, 1960 at the West Suburban Hospital in Oak Park, Illinois. She was the daughter of William “Bill” Orange and Barbara (Farris) Orange. She attended Steinmetz High School in Chicago and was a member of the ROTC Program throughout her high school years, graduating in 1978. In September 1989, Vena left Chicago with her two children and moved to Southern Illinois to be close to her family. Vena was of the Baptist faith. She had attended Fellowship Baptist Church, where she was baptized. Also, Vena attended the First Baptist Church in Vienna. She was employed by several businesses throughout her working career. She owned and operated her own business, The Attic, in the Orange complex. Vena was also employed by Shawnee Abstract and Title Company. She also worked as a security officer at Harrah’s Casino as well as Honeywell, Inc.. Vena had her own sewing alteration business “Vena Kay’s Corner” and was an Avon representative for many years. Vena loved being outdoors. She enjoyed hunting, gardening, crafting and sewing. Vena was an accomplished artist and was skilled at drawing and painting. Having learned from her Grandmother Orange, Vena was a wonderful cook. She and her Dad, Bill, often competed together in the annual chili cookoff contests, which were a part of the local fall festival celebrations. On August 24, 2016, Vena was united in marriage to Kevin David Nelson in Palm Springs, California. He preceded her in death. Vena is survived by: children – Joey (Jennifer) Parenti, Amy Ballard, Melanie (Dillon) Peebles; a special stepdaughter in her life – Holly (Colby) Alexander; her siblings – Shane Orange of Creal Springs and Jennifer (Elflago) Delgado; her grandchildren – Owen and Jackson Peebles, Lilly, Andy, and Axyl Alexander; a cousin – Gina Briseno; an aunt – Mary Salas, and a special cousin & friend – Carol Bryant. Vena was preceded in death by her parents – William “Bill” Orange and Barbara Sepulveda; her husband, Kevin David Nelson, her sister – Shari Mae Orange-Stepter; and a granddaughter – Emma Loren Ballard. In accordance with Vena’s wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral service. Interment will be in the Belknap Masonic Cemetery at a later date. Memorials may be made to Shriner’s Hospital for Children, 4400 Clayton Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri 63110 or online at https://donate.lovetotherescue.org

Vena Kay Nelson

April 15, 1960 - March 4, 2023