Susan Randall Nelson, 77, of Panama City, Florida passed away May 28, 2023, of a stroke while battling cancer in Columbia, South Carolina.

Susan was born in Newark, New Jersey in 1946. Her family lived in many places, spending most of her childhood in Houston,Texas. She graduated from Bellaire High School in 1964, and then from the University of Texas in 1968 as a mathematician. After university, Susan moved to Panama City to work at Naval Surface Warfare Center as one of the first women computer scientists. Once she saw the white sand beaches, she remained in Panama City. She met her husband Hank there, who shared a love of sailing. In her 35 year career, she received 4 patents for her work in computer-aided detection of breast cancer, and received an award as Top Ten American Business Women of the Year.

She loved sailing, playing tennis, and swimming, always had a sense of adventure, traveling to England, the Caribbean islands, South Africa, Sweden, Tahiti, and Peru. She could talk to anybody, very friendly and kind. She loved her family ancestry and Rhode island ancestral roots, and was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She loved spending time with family, and trips to Disney World.

She is survived by her two children, William and wife Jenny of Columbia, SC, Ingrid and husband Florentino of San Francisco, CA; grandchildren Claire and Henry, and Rosalyn; nieces and nephew Joseph, Amy, Michelle, Sheila and Laurie, and extended family. She is predeceased by her parents William and Eloise (Chase) Randall; her loving husband Hilding (Hank) Nelson of 42 years; brothers Wayne and Jonathan Randall.

A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, July 8, 2023 at 11 o'clock AM in the Holy Nativity Episcopal Church, in Panama City, Florida, with Father Steve Bates officiating. Those who wish to make a donation, please give to the American Heart Association, in Susan Nelson's honor. Susan and her family thank you for your support.