Dorothy Lorraine Nelson, 87, Minot and formerly of Velva and longtime Nazarene missionary died on Saturday, May 15, 2010 in a Minot hospital.

Dorothy was born on February 18, 1923 in Velva, ND to Benjamin and Sadie (Storhaug) Bearman. She was reared and educated in Velva and attended Missionary Alliance Bible College in Seattle. Following her education, she returned to North Dakota and taught at a rural school south of Sawyer. During this time Dorothy and her future husband Elmer became pen pals while he was serving in World War II. Following Elmer's return they continued their friendship and courtship.

Dorothy married Elmer Nelson on June 10, 1947 in Velva. They made their home in Pasadena CA while Elmer attended Pasadena Nazarene University. Following his ordination, they made their home in Denhoff, ND where Elmer served as a Nazarene minister for three years.

In 1955, Dorothy and Elmer were appointed missionary ministers by the Nazarene church. Dorothy had a great passion for her service as a missionary and together with her loving husband spent 40 years of service through the Church of the Nazarene. They served in Panama for twenty years, Argentina for four years where Dorothy was ordained on February 16, 1979 in Bahia Blanca, Argentina, the Dominican Republic for four years and Paraguay for four years before returning to the United States in 1989. Since then, they traveled throughout the U.S. and resided in Georgia before settling in Minot in 1997. Elmer died on May 1, 2010.

Dorothy loved to preach, teach, travel and cook. She hosted many events which highlighted her experiences in the mission field. She loved missions and always enjoyed sharing her experiences through stories and her Latin foods.

Dorothy's loving family includes her daughters: Deborah (Rev. Steven) Baker of Fresno CA, Dorcas "Dori" Nelson and her special friend Manuel Delgado of Minot and Delight Fortner of New Smyrna Beach FL; grandchildren: Rex, Kelvin and Nelson Baker, Charisse and David Fortner, Alexandra and Barron Nelson; ten great grandchildren; sister: Ruth Stebbins of Minot; brothers: Dale Bearman of Escondido CA, Glen Bearman of Banning CA and Virgil Bearman of Glendora CA and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son: Daniel Nelson and sisters: Evelyn Bearman, Myrtle Legg and Vivian Bucsko and brothers: Ralph Bearman and Donald Bearman.

Funeral Service: Thursday, May 20, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. in the First Church of the Nazarene - Minot.
Interment will be in the Velva Community Cemetery.
Visitation: Wednesday from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in the Thomas Family Funeral Home - Minot.