Margie Shirley Nelson

Our precious loved one, Margie Shirley Nelson, was born on February 24, 1951, in Winslow, AZ. She was born into the Díbélzhíní (Black Sheep) clan and born for Táchii’nii (Red Running into the Water) people clan. She is preceded in death by her parents, Jimmy and Maggie Moore, and brothers Marvin Moore and Orlando Moore. Margie was the third oldest of nine brothers and sisters. She is survived by: Linda Pruitt, Dallas, TX; James “Freddie” Moore, Winslow, AZ; Jerome D. Moore, Winslow, AZ, Bonnie J. Robertson (Robert “Robby” Robertson), Winslow, AZ; Daniel J. Moore, Chula Vista, CA; and Lorena J. Moore-Nez (Luther Nez), Phoenix, AZ.

Margie spent most of her childhood between the family home in Winslow, AZ and her grandparents, Lester and Hazel Moore’s, traditional hogan in Cow Springs, AZ. As a child, Margie overcame the difficulties of transitioning between two worlds. That of the more urbanized area of Winslow, AZ and the traditional living and learnings of her grandparents’ home on the Navajo Indian reservation. She would often have to re-enroll in school and strive to remember the English and/or Diné (Navajo) language.

Margie was proud of her heritage. She admired her turquoise and silver jewelry, and anything that displayed her Native American ancestry. Part of this was her Indian frybread making talent. She learned how to make Indian frybread as a child and continued to make this special and delicious bread until her departure. Although her Indian frybread was sometimes sold to help with expenses or in fundraising events; she found most joy in making it for others as an extension of her love for them.

On April 16, 1976, Margie received her Beauticians License from the Phoenix Academy of Beauty. It’s befitting that Margie would have a career in Cosmetology. She was a beautiful woman. Knowing that clients left her chair feeling cared for and good about themselves filled her spirit! Throughout her career many of her clients and co-workers became dear friends and extended family. They not only helped her in times of need but made some of her happiest dreams come true! Like yearly fishing trips in the White Mountains and traveling all over the United States. Her career allowed her to maintain and keep a lovely home in an even more lovely neighborhood. Her neighbors adored her, and she couldn’t have been made to feel safer and more protected.

Margie is also survived by her two daughters, Terri Little (Judge BJ Little Jr.), Winslow, AZ and Roxanne “Rocky” Nelson (Caren Kogan), Phoenix, AZ. She also has two wonderful grandchildren she doted over constantly, Timothy Little, Phoenix, AZ; and Brianna Little, Winslow, AZ. We cannot leave out her favorite, “Pepper”. Her beloved cat and fur baby. They loved each other at first sight! Pepper never left her side during her illness.

Margie knew the Lord and our Lord knew her. She always believed God was the source of all she had or hoped to receive. God blessed her with a heart to always give and share what she had. She taught her daughters to work and be resilient in times of change and struggle. She was a wonderful grandmother who was so grateful to have established a close relationship with her grandchildren. Her brothers and sisters will always know her as a gentle woman and a peacemaker. All of us will miss her silliness! So many times, she would crack us up by mispronouncing names. Like when she used to call McDonalds’s McFlurry’s – McFury’s! Or when she referred to scrolling on the computer as “strolling”! We will always tell of her casino antics and being BUSTED when playing the Farkle game, or her times of catching the biggest fish! Above all we will miss her warm hugs and sweet voice saying, “I LOVE YOU BUNCHIES”!

A celebration of life for Margie Nelson will be held at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85018, on Friday, May 12, 2023, at 11:00AM. A reception and luncheon will follow at the same location. Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com.