Bambi J. Nelson

Bambi J. Nelson, age 76 of Jeffersonville, passed away on Tuesday, October 21, 2025.  Her name fit her perfectly — bright, gentle, and full of life.  She shared her love and laughter with everyone around her and made the world a better place.

Born to the late Vernon H. and Katherine (Smither) Nelson, Bambi brought warmth and energy wherever she went. After 25 dedicated years with Humana, working in Special Projects, she retired with a deep sense of pride (and more than a few inside jokes shared with her “work family”).  She wasn’t one to do things halfway — if Bambi was on a project, it was going to get done right, usually with a good laugh along the way.

When she wasn’t working, you could usually find Bambi with her nose in a book. She was a diehard Stephen King fan — she could talk about haunted hotels and small-town horror like an expert — but it was Harry Potter that really captured her heart. Watching the series with her grandchildren became one of her greatest joys. They’d dive into the magic together, then wait impatiently for the next movie to come to theatres, popcorn and excitement in hand. Those were her favorite adventures — the ones that made her feel like a kid again.

Bambi’s love of the ocean was legendary. The beach was her happy place — sun on her face, sand between her toes, and another lighthouse trinket to add to her growing collection. Each one told a story, and together they painted the picture of a woman who always looked for light, even in stormy weather.  A loyal member of Walnut Ridge Baptist Church, Bambi’s faith was quiet but steadfast — reflected in her kindness, humor, and unwavering devotion to the people she loved.

She leaves behind her daughter, Melissa Sullivan (Rodney) of Jeffersonville; sons, Eugene Altepeter (Sherry) and George P. Altepeter (Emily), both of North Vernon; a special niece, Von Lyons of Jeffersonville; her nieces, Hope Prather and Brenda Lewis; her dearest friend, Kristina Payton of New Albany; nine grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, and countless memories that will live on in every shared laugh, every page turned, and every lighthouse that shines just a little brighter.  Bambi was preceded in death by her sisters, Shirley Smith and Dorothy Gagel, who no doubt greeted her in Heaven with a good story and a warm hug.  Bambi also met up with her sweet doggie, Mimi, who certainly jumped for joy to again shower Bambi with cuddles and kisses.

Funeral Services will be held 3 PM on Monday, October 27, 2025, at Scott Funeral Home (2515 Veterans Parkway), officiated by Eric Welch of Hamburg Pike Church of Christ. Visitation will be from 11 AM until service time on Monday at Scott Funeral Home.

Bambi’s story was one of laughter, light, and love — and while her final chapter here has closed, her spirit will always be found in the books, the waves, and the hearts of those who loved her most.

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