The Reverend Dr. JoAnn Nelson, 84, of Brownsville, PA (Centerville boro) passed away unexpectedly on Sunday October 12, 2025.

JoAnn was born on December 27, 1940, in Charleroi, PA, a daughter of the late Eugene and Helen Melvin Nelson.  She graduated from the Rostraver High School in 1958 and upon graduation she attended the California State Teacher's College in Elementary Education.  Later she earned her master's degree in library science and eventually earned her Ph.D. in educational communications and technology from the University of Pittsburgh.

She was highly intelligent and later employed as a teacher for the Rostraver school district teaching at the LaGrange Elementary School.  JoAnn had used her teaching abilities in various schools and settings.  She was even working full-time teaching school in Noss Laboratory throughout the process of achieving her Ph.D.

A woman of deep faith, JoAnn loved Jesus.  She was a member of the Blainesburg Bible Church and pastor of the Marianna First Christian Church.  In her younger years she enjoyed gardening and planting flowers.

Surviving is her sister Betty Watts (Fred) of Pittsburgh; Nephew Eric Watts (Kim) of TX; Niece Leslie Patterson (Scott) of Hermitage, PA; their children Ford, Aster, Chad, Kyle, and Samantha; She also leaves behind many dear friends and congregates.

Friends will be received on Thursday October 16, 2025, from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the John B. Greenlee Funeral Home Ltd. 2830 Main Street Beallsville, PA.   The Interment will be held privately in the Monongahela Cemetery.  A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday October 18, 2025, beginning at 10:00 a.m. in the Blainesburg Bible Church 104 4th Blvd, Brownsville, PA, 15417 all are welcome to attend.  An online guestbook is available at www.GreenleeFuneralHome.com