Naoma Suzanne Nelsen was born on May 26, 1965, in El Dorado Springs, Missouri, to Royal and Wyona Nelsen. On September 11, 2026, surrounded by God's love and grace, Naoma peacefully entered her heavenly home.
From an early age, Naoma's faith was the foundation of her life. She attended Pape Christian Church, where she was active in the youth group and was baptized at the age of 12. Her love for the Lord guided her throughout her life and was reflected in the kindness, humility, and servant's heart she shared with others.
Naoma attended school in El Dorado Springs and graduated as valedictorian of her senior class. Her dedication to learning earned her a four-year Presidential Scholarship to Southwest Missouri State University, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree. While at SMS, she was active in Campus House Ministry and participated in mission trips to Mexico and Haiti, experiences that deepened both her faith and her desire to serve others.
After graduation, Naoma worked at CCMH before pursuing graduate studies at Texas A&M University, where she earned a Master's degree in Microbial Genetics. She later received her Ph.D. in Genetics from Clemson University. Her passion for science, discovery, and education led her to continue her research at Clemson until 2008. She then joined the faculty of Erskine College in Due West, South Carolina, as an Associate Professor of Biology, a role she cherished and faithfully fulfilled for the remainder of her life.
Teaching was far more than a profession for Naoma; it was a calling. She invested deeply in her students, encouraging them academically and personally. Many knew her not only as a professor but as a mentor, a trusted advisor, and a friend. Her enthusiasm for learning and her genuine care for others left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Beyond the classroom, Naoma found joy in nurturing both nature and community. She co-sponsored a Garden and Nature Camp for local children, sharing her love of the outdoors with younger generations. She delighted in birdwatching, reading, solving puzzles, crafting, and gathering with friends through her local book club. Whether tending a garden, spotting a favorite bird, or discussing a good book, Naoma found beauty in God's creation and joy in life's simple blessings.
While living in Donalds, South Carolina, Naoma was a faithful member of Due West Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. Her gentle spirit, warm smile, thoughtful encouragement, and unwavering faith touched the lives of family, friends, colleagues, students, and neighbors alike.
Naoma was preceded in death by her father, Royal W. Nelsen; her brother, Royal C. Nelsen, and his wife, Judie; her sisters-in-law, Melissa Nelsen and Carmen Nelsen; and her niece, Kathy Page.
She is lovingly remembered by her mother, Wyona Nelsen; her sisters, Joyce Heuser and husband Larry, and Janice Nelsen; her brothers, Carl Nelsen, Loren Nelsen, and Matthew Nelsen and his partner, Rebekah Oehring; along with numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends, colleagues, and former students.
Though Naoma's earthly journey has ended, her legacy of faith, learning, service, and love lives on in the countless lives she touched. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved her.
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