Madelynn Curtis Nelson

IRMO— On Friday, January 16, 2015, the world lost a precious gift that leaves us all just a bit more diminished for we have had to say good-bye to our sweet Madelynn Curtis Nelson who was born July 12, 2011. She leaves us with untold longings for her bright eyes, captivating smile and that un-abiding love for people. When asked, "Madelynn, why are you so sweet?" she blithely responded as always, "Because I like people." Her indomitable spirit could not be quenched by the cancer that ravished her body for over a year. Clutching her owl and armed with a favorite blanket she faced it all. Her grieving family and thousands of fans around the world leave tear stained tributes to her gift of life she freely shared with all. Everyone was a "friend" no matter the relationship. Mommy and Daddy, (Amanda and Rob Nelson), Lucy, her sweet sister, grandparents "Paw" and "Gi-gi" (Todd and Ginger Nelson), "Mimi" and “Poppy” (Terri and Kevin Hall) and “Grandpa Shirley” (Edward Shirley) will carry on her loving image to the world. She also leaves her friends, Sara D.and Zoe,who continue to carry the torch of hope. A Worship Service will be held at St. Andrews Baptist Church, 230 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC 29210 on Monday, January 19, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. Officiating will be The Very Reverend Chip Edgar, The Reverend Dr. Tony Metze and Mr. Andrew More. Burial will be private.The family will greet friends from 4-8 p.m. Sunday, January 18, 2015 at Temples Halloran Funeral Home, 5400 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC 29212. The family wishes to express their profound gratitude to Dr. Ron Neuberg and the loving staff of the Children's Hospital at Palmetto Health Richland. Rob and Amanda and Madelynn were sustained throughout this struggle by countless friends who contributed untold funds, gifts, and prayers for sustenance and healing. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital, 1600 Marion Street, Columbia, SC 29201, in honor of Madelynn Curtis Nelson. AUTUMN'S CHILD I would have a child Born to greet the purple Misted skies and tossed Corn grown tall above the Rest of summer's harvest. Across a field where Owls sang away the Fog of autumn's days Even before the rising of A flame encrusted sun. I would have a child Born to watch the changing Hues of autumn grow More lovely as summer Passed and all life aged. When evening comes, I Would there were a moon Grown great with autumn's Slumbering form of a tiny baby.