Support Crystal’s Family through Hardship & Loss

There are so many of you that have known Crystal and have been affected positively by her spirit and strength. Her spirit shines through your kind words on social media and her family thanks you for the uplifting messages and pictures.

At noon on December 7th Crystal Michelle Archer Nelson gained her angel wings, leaving this world peacefully at the young age of 47. We are all so grateful to have known her as a wife, mother, daughter, niece, aunt, sister and friend and to have been a part of her life. She has changed many of our lives forever, she is a hall of fame mom, and it is not easy to say goodbye.

Six years ago, Crystal had been diagnosed with stage 1A cancer and we were so thankful for an early diagnosis. Crystal had hoped a hysterectomy would ensure it would not return and had 5 years of cancer free monitoring. However, she was diagnosed again with ovarian cancer after a mass was found in April of 2022. In June, a tumor was surgically removed and an aggressive form of cancer was discovered. In August, she started chemotherapy treatment. Unfortunately the Bleomycin drug was too harsh on her lungs causing severe damage and she was unable to recover while battling cancer.

Dr. Amy Tan said, “Crystal is my favorite patient.” She was in tears when she explained Crystal’s condition in her final hours. It was not surprising that Crystal made a special bond with her Doctor even when she was sick with cancer and struggling with chemotherapy.

Crystal had a beautiful, engaging presence and a positive outlook on life. She took on many challenges in her life with grace and would even see the upside, encouraging others who were going through similar challenges. She was very grounded in reality, had a no-nonsense approach and she was always a fiercely committed advocate for her children. She took the world on and she never took “NO” for an answer when it came to Brayden and taught Emma the true reality of the world.

She married Jeremy (Jer) Nelson on June 11, 2005 and all of us believed these two would grow old together along with their son, Brayden. She always wanted to be a mom and she left behind 2 wonderful children – Emma (16) and Brayden (12). Emma and her mother were very close (as was Crystal and her mother Mary Jane). Emma is a excellent student and in the top of her class. Brayden is “the miracle child” as he was a micropreemie. Crystal’s mantra was very much that Brayden is Brayden and not put labels on him. He is full of love and craziness! And our family is blessed to be a part of both Emma and Brayden lives and want to see them both flourish.

Jer, Emma and Brayden would like your help through this financial and emotional hardship. Since June when Crystal was first in surgery for the aggressive cancer, Jer has stayed home to help take care of Brayden and his needs like going to swim therapy. Now that Jer is a single father, he needs help recovering from stacking up medical bills and the fact that unemployment is running out. Your support is appreciated.

It meant the world to Crystal for Emma to go to college. To help Crystal’s memory live on, please help Emma go to college. Your invested support and Emma’s drive and determination will help lead Emma to do amazing things.

Thank you for all your support and prayers.

Until we see you again, Crystal, we know you will be doing some serious angel work....:)

A celebration of life will be held in January and updates will be provided.