Mrs. Betty B. Nelson died on Saturday, September 9, at the age of 93.
Betty was well known in the Diocese of Easton as a pioneer. She was the first female attorney to practice law in Dorchester County. She was also the first woman to serve on the Vestry and then as Senior Warden of Christ Church, Cambridge. In 1972 she was one of the first two women elected from the Diocese of Easton as a Deputy to General Convention.
In 1986 Bishop Elliot Sorge appointed her as the Coordinator for the Diocesan Convention, Diocesan Council, Department of Missions, and the liaison to the Committee on Constitution and Canons. She served through 1992. Subsequently she was the Chair of the Committee on Constitution and Canons.
During Bishop Sorge’s episcopate she worked on a broad effort to expand and extend lay ministry to all facets of Diocesan life, particularly in the area of liturgy.
Betty was an inspiration over the years for many women in the Diocese of Easton who felt called to lay and ordained ministry.
There will be a memorial service on Saturday, September 23, at 11:00 am at Christ Church, Cambridge. The Rev. Marianne Ell, Chaplain at Baleigh Chase, will officiate. The Rev. Nathaniel W. Pierce will assist.
May the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.