Nelson, Lynda Bishop

Lynda Bishop Nelson (born Lynda Carolyn Bishop), who filled her life with friends, family, love, and magic, passed away at LewisGale Hospital in Blacksburg, Virginia, on January 18, 2023. She was 78.

Lynda was born to Clarence and Maxine Bishop (nee Howery) at New Altamont Hospital in Christiansburg on October 22, 1944. She began riding horses as a young girl and went on to become an accomplished competitive equestrian, a passion that she later passed on to her children and grandchildren. She graduated from Christiansburg High School in 1962.

She was a voracious reader, preferring mystery novels, thrillers, and biographies. An animal lover, she raised poodles, collies and Weimaraners — when she was a child one of the family dogs could climb a ladder to a doghouse at the top of a tall pole.

While mostly focused on raising her children and helping raise grandchildren, during the 1980s, she owned and ran a consignment shop in downtown Christiansburg called Most Anything.

She is survived by her husband, Kenny Nelson; four children, Kevin Wiltsee, Christopher Emery, Shannon Emery, and Ashley Coleman; nine grandchildren, Lacey Forse, Ira Wiltsee, Alex Wiltsee, Hannah Wiltsee, Kai Emery, James Coleman, Hunter Emery, Ava Coleman, and Forest Emery; and two great-grandchildren, Sabastian and Charlee Forse.

She was predeceased by her parents, brother Ronald Bishop, and son Eric Wiltsee.

The family will welcome friends at Horne Funeral Home in Christiansburg, Virginia, from 1-2:30 pm Sunday, January 22. At the same location, a 30-minute celebration of life will be held beginning 2:30 pm, where family and friends are welcome to share remembrances.