Iva Love Nelson, August 28, 1879 – September 16, 1905.  New Providence Presbyterian Cemetery, Mercer County, Kentucky.

Notice all the emblems on this gravestone – the gates of heaven are open to receive the loved one.  The cross with crown on top proclaims victory over death.  The single star is a representation of the Star of the East that guided the Magi to Bethlehem.  and the side drape is a symbol of the veil between heaven and earth.

from The Harrodsburg Herald, Mercer County, Kentucky

Thursday, September 21, 1905

Miss Iva L. Nelson, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. S. Nelson, died Saturday night at 11 o’clock, after a lingering illness of six weeks of a complication of diseases.  She was 26 years of age at the time of her death.  She had a splendid literary education and was highly accomplished in music and art, and was one of the most popular young ladies in this part of the county.  She had a lovely disposition and made friends wherever she went.  She was a sincere and devoted Christian and a religious worker, and at the time of her death was secretary of the Sunday school association of this district.  Her family, the church and the community will suffer an irreparable loss in being deprived of the sunshine and kindness of her true Christian life; but what is our loss is her gain, for she was perfectly resigned to God’s will and often said she was going home.  And while she has been called away from us in this world, it is a blessed comfort to know that she has gone to be with her savior, where there is no sickness nor sorrow but joy and bliss throughout eternity.  Her beautiful life; her earnest Christian spirit and the sunshine she scattered along the paths of others, will be a living monument sacred to her memory.  Rev. George Green preached the funeral sermon at the Baptist church Monday morning at 11 o’clock.  The large crowd present at these services and the many beautiful floral designs was a testimonial of her loving friends.  The remains were laid to rest in Providence Cemetery.