Sara Jean Nelson

Sara Jean Nelson, 76, of Champaign, IL passed away on January 11, 2026. She was born on May 13, 1949, in Danville, IL to Dale C. and Virginia Mae Nelson. 

After graduating from Danville High and Danville Community College, Sara pursued a career in editing and technical typing, working for several publishing companies in the Champaign area. 

In 2012, she retired from the Department of Mathematics at the University of Illinois in which she was a secretary and assistant editor of the Math Times.

Sara was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Melinda. 

She is survived by niece, Kelly McIntyre and nephew, Jonathan McIntyre of Zelienople, PA. 

An ardent doll collector, she shared her passion with all that knew her. Sara had a good heart and wonderful sense of humor and will be missed by her family and many friends. May God shine on Sara always. Private burial arrangements have been made. 

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