Wanda Lou (Crutcher) Nelms

Wanda Lou Nelms, 79, passed away surrounded by her family at 1:10 pm on September 19th, 2021 after a long battle with Cancer.  Born in Smithland, Kentucky to Franklin and Bonnie Crutcher.  She was the youngest of three, Robbie Wring (sister) and Robert (Bob) (brother).

Wanda was a retired Labor and Delivery nurse having worked at various hospitals during her career include Roper Hospital, Summerville Medical and Colleton Regional Medical Center where she concluded her nearly 50-year career. She and their three sons, Ted, Mark, and Chuck, followed her Navy Veteran husband TMC(SS) Charles "Steve" (Buddha) Nelms to his submarine duty stations across the country and supported him and his shipmates wherever they went. Finally settling in the Summerville area in the late 1970’s.

"Mam"(as she was called by her family) and Buddha moved to a lakeside farm in Dorchester, SC in 1997 where they established an informal gathering place for their submarine shipmates in a barn on the property called "The After Battery".  Wanda was always the driving force to keep her "shipmates" on a straight course and constant speed with love, kindness and a look over the top of her glasses that would stop a gorilla!  She loved being with the veterans and contributed much to their lives and welfare.

She is pre-deceased by her parents, siblings and her son Chuck.  She is survived by her husband, Charles (Steve/Buddha) Nelms, her sons Mark (Cristin), Ted (Janette), grandchildren, Mark Ryan, Sara Madison, Emma Cate, Nick and Michael as well as adopted sons David Haynes and Chris Newman. Also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and close family friends. She is also survived by a large population of children in the Lowcountry who she assisted in bringing into this world during her nursing career.  Many of them she remained in contact with over the years.

To all of her family, friends and Navy “shipmates”, She will be waiting to greet us on the pier in Heaven if any are lucky to make it there.

At Wanda's request, there will be no memorial service. She will be cremated and laid to rest next to her beloved son, Chuck.  Condolences can be sent as donations in her name to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and / or to the American Cancer Society.

Arrangements by Parks Funeral Home, 130 W. 1st North Street, Summerville, SC 29483.  www.parksfuneralhome.com

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