Virginia "Gee Gee" Ann Dexter Nelson

Virginia (Gee Gee) Ann Dexter Nelson, 79, of Lynchburg, Virginia, passed away peacefully on October 31, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on June 27, 1946, in Boston, Massachusetts, Gee Gee was the daughter of the late James Francis and Mildred Marie Truland Dexter. She attended the State University of New York at Plattsburgh for her undergraduate studies and went on to earn her master’s degree from Cornell University.

Gee Gee was the co-owner of Sweet Zoo Gift Shop in Forest, Virginia, where she shared her kindness, creativity, and joy with the community for over 20 years. After retiring from the Sweet Zoo, she continued to share her love of curios and conversation while working at Givens Bookstore in Lynchburg. She later turned her lifelong passion for helping others toward education, serving as a substitute teacher for Lynchburg City Schools—primarily at Carl B. Hutcherson Early Learning Center and Bedford Hills Elementary School—where her warmth and patience touched the lives of countless children.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dr. Thomas Philip Nelson, owner and operator of Animal Medical Center in Forest, Virginia. Together, they built a beautiful life over 53 years of marriage, filled with love, laughter, and devotion to family.

Gee Gee is survived by her three children: Thor Nelson and wife Jordan of Springfield, MO; Sara Nelson May and husband Michael of Lynchburg, VA; and Joshua Eric Nelson and wife Meagan of Old Hickory, TN; as well as her four cherished grandchildren—Taylor, Spencer, Emma, and Lillian May —all of Lynchburg, VA.

She was a recently inducted member of the Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O. Sisterhood), an active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), a dedicated mentor for the Children of the American Revolution (C.A.R.), and a proud member of the National Society of The Colonial Dames of America. Gee Gee was also a faithful parishioner at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, enjoyed fellowship in her local Depression Glass Club, and delighted in square dancing with friends, which reflected her joyful and lively spirit.

A Celebration of Life Mass will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 07, 2026, at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 3015 Roundelay Road, Lynchburg, Virginia 24502. Family and friends are invited to visit from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., with a reception to follow the Mass.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Taylor May for her compassionate in-home care.

Arrangements are being handled by Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg.