Nelda Jean Abels, age 69, of Jacksonville, Florida, went peacefully home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, at 12:45 a.m. on Thursday, January 8, 2026, following a courageous battle with cancer. Jean passed away in the comfort of her home, surrounded by her loving sisters. Jean was born on February 28, 1956, in Odessa, Texas, to Nella V. and Olyn Whiteley. She spent the majority of her life in Texas before recently relocating to Jacksonville, Florida, where she became a devoted member of West Jacksonville Baptist Church. Jean dedicated her life to caring for others, both as a homemaker and as a home healthcare worker. She found great joy in attending church, creating crafts, reading her Bible, and spending precious time with her family and friends. Her faith, kindness, and servant's heart were evident to all who knew her. She is survived by her three daughters, Tina Sanders and her husband Toby, Beverly Potts, and Jackie Stratton and her husband James; four sisters, Tina Gordon and her husband Eddie, Jane Mercer and her husband Mike, Dorenda Nuncio, and Kate Gilcrease; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 16, 2026, at West Jacksonville Baptist Church, located at 5634 Normandy Boulevard, Jacksonville, Florida, with Pastor Rodney Kelley officiating. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the West Jacksonville Baptist Church Missions Fund at https://wjbc.givecloud.co/. Cremation arrangements entrusted to the dedicated care of BLACKBURN-CURRY FUNERAL AND CREMATION, 380 N. Lowder Street, Macclenny, Florida 32063. (904) 259-2806.