Nellie M. Beidelman

Residing in Bethany Manor, Horseheads, NY, went home to be with the Lord and Savior on January 21, 2009 at the age of 96.Nellie was born in Elmira, NY on October 1, 1912. She was a charter member of Hillcrest Baptist Church.She graduated from Elmira High School and from Practical Bible Training School (now known as Davis College) as Valedictorian of her class.She also taught there for ten years in the Christian Education Department.Nellie's most enduring legacy was the creation (along with Clarence W. Stewart) in 1945 of Child Character Education from her home in Horseheads, a home donated by the late Mr. & Mrs. George Lee.One of her most challenging contributions to our community was through Child Character Education, Inc., known as Released Time in our public schools.These classes are continuing after 60 years.She was a teacher and director of this outreach.Too, part of Nellie's Child Character was a two-week summer camp at Harris Hill.This camp experience is also remembered fondly today by scores of participants.Nellie so enjoyed her work with the children and telling her stories with her flannel boards, that she wrote a charming memoir entitled, Memories, the First Fifty Years.Many of Nellie's former students either call or visit when they return to Elmira.Another aspect of Nellie's legacy was the creation of Neighborhood Bible Clubs, of which she was quite proud, KYB clubs, teacher classes, and Adult Bible classes.As her sister Edith once said,"You have had a wonderful life!"Nellie agreed with her. She will be missed by many.Her mother, Sadie Beidelman, and her sister, Edith Beidelman, predeceased Nellie. She is survived by many friends and a few cousins.Family and friends are invited to call at Olthof Funeral Home Inc., 1050 Pennsylvania Ave. , Elmira/Southport on Monda,y January 26 , 2009 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, with Funeral and Committal Service there Monday at 1:00 PM. Reverend James Crupi and Reverend Clifford Proper will officiate. Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Elmira at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make memorials contributions to the Association for Child Education, Inc., 212 S. Main Street, Horseheads, NY 14845.A 'Candle of Remembrance' may be left for the family in obituaries atwww.olthof.com .