Diane Gagnon Braman Nelms, born Nov. 16, 1937, a native of Miami, former resident of Pensacola, Fla. and Mobile and a resident of Gulf Shores, died July 30, 2007.
She graduated from Touro Infirmary School of Nursing (attended Tulane University) and Charity Hospital School of Anesthesia in New Orleans. She practiced as CRN in Mobile and was a member of American Association of Nurse Anesthetists.
She was a past president of Gulf Shores Woman's Club and presently serving as second vice president of the Alabama Federation of Women's Clubs. She was an advisor to the Gulf Shores High School Juniorette Club. She tutored adults for the Mobile and South Baldwin Literacy Councils (and was a past board member). She was on the committee for the American Cancer Society Gala Ball. She was a charter member of St. Andrew by the Sea Community Church of Gulf Shores where she served on the Board of Directors and many activities and was a member of numerous other community organizations.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Joseph E. Nelms, Jr.; son Kempton Braman and mother Wilma Arnold Gagnon.
Survivors include her father, George (Ann) Gagnon of Pensacola, Fla.; daughters Leslie Edwards of Wilmer, and Lauree Robinson of Gulf Shores; grandchildren Jessica and Chris Robinson of Gulf Shores; stepdaughter Lou (Mike) Schambeau of Mobile; sisters Gayle Rosenblatt and Brenda Robinson, both of Pensacola, and Vallirrie Barnett of Jacksonville, Fla.; other aunts, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. with funeral services at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 1 at St. Andrew by the Sea, Fort Morgan Road, Gulf Shores. A private burial service will be held at Pine Crest Cemetery, Mobile.
The family requests memorial donations be made to St. Andrew by the Sea Community Church, the American Cancer Society or to Diane Nelms Scholarship Fund c/o Gulf Shores Woman's Club for Gulf Shores High School.
Arrangements are by Pine Crest Funerals and Cremations, Mobile. An online guestbook may be signed at www.pinecrestfuneralhome.com.
