Carol Jean Nilson
October 23, 1937 - February 22, 2024 Glendale - Carol Jean Nilson, 86, left this world peacefully on February 22, 2024, in Glendale, Arizona. She was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, on October 23, 1937, to the late Victor D. and Eva Jackson Simmons. She was a woman devoted to her family who cherished the occasions to spend time with them. Jean passed the way she chose - "living independently in the sunshine".
She was preceded in death by the love of her life and husband, Joseph A. Nilson of Salt Lake City, Utah. Brothers, Harry Simmons, and Robert Simmons of Salt Lake City, Utah. Grandsons Cory Nilson and Jarom Windsor Williams.
Jean was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and held many callings in the church. She valued her time spent serving as Temple Worker in the Los Angeles Temple, Portland Oregon Temple, and as the Relief Society Compassionate Service Leader in the Florence, Oregon Ward.
Jean began modeling at a young age and continued until her late 20's. She studied and received training on Substance Abuse and Counseling at UCLA and Antelope Valley College. She spent many years utilizing her education by volunteering and serving on the Boards of The Antelope Valley Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependency, and The Family Resource Foundation, Inc.
Those remaining to honor her memory include her Son Michael J. Nilson, Son Douglas S. Nilson (Alice), Daughter Cynthia R. Sommer (Jennifer), Son Lawrence Ace Nilson (Molly). Six Grandchildren, Casey Nilson, Heather Grizzell (Chris), Kristine Sommer (Adam), Steven Sommer (Alxandria), Bethany Elliott, Robby Nilson (Jess); and 7 great grandchildren. Dear friend and caregiver in her final years, Phillip Koch. A funeral service will be held at the Florence Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 2705 Munsel Lake Road, Florence on Monday, March 18, 2024, at 4:00 pm. Interment will be at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at 12:30 pm. Family and Friends are welcome to attend.