Sue Nelson, beloved Fernandina Beach Book Loft manager for 20 years

For 20 years, Susan Kathleen “Sue” Nelson was the heart and face of The Book Loft in Fernandina Beach, where her love of literature and people made the independent bookstore a gathering place for readers across Amelia Island. Nelson, 83, died peacefully on January 26, 2026, surrounded by her loving children.

Her work, she said on The Book Loft website — the store in historic downtown — was the legacy of her husband, the late Bill Nelson. 

"Bill created an 'old-fashioned' bookstore where people can browse and enjoy a beautiful collection of books. Our customers become nostalgic when they approach the store slowly, stand and stare at what they have missed," she said.

When Nelson died in 2011, Sue Nelson said, "I jumped in with both feet to sustain the operation despite the economic downturn and bleak outlook for indie bookstores. I haven't looked back!"

In 2018, she was presented with the Literacy Champion award by The Amelia Island Book Festival Awards program.

“The Literacy Champion award is awarded to you, Sue Nelson, for offering a supportive environment for local authors and promoting events that encourage the joy of reading, writing and lifelong learning among people of all ages,” said Chairman Steve Berry.

Nelson was a devoted mother and grandmother whose life was defined by family, faith, community service, and an enduring passion for books. During her two decades at The Book Loft, she became a cherished fixture in the historic downtown, known for her warmth, sharp intellect, and ability to connect readers with exactly the right book. Her presence left a lasting imprint on the cultural life of Fernandina Beach.

"I feel blessed to have known Sue and appreciated The Book Loft and her incredible staff," wrote local author Dickie Anderson.

Born June 9, 1942, she was the daughter of Paul Thomas Moore, MD, and Mary Frances Cleary. The child of a U.S. Navy captain, Nelson spent much of her youth traveling between Cuba and naval bases throughout the United States, experiences that fostered her love of the ocean, adventure, and a lifelong curiosity about the wider world.

She attended Holy Child High School in Waukegan, Illinois, and earned a bachelor’s degree from Marquette University in 1963. Her professional career began at IBM, followed by positions with Society Bank Huron and Morgan Stanley in Jacksonville, before she found what many considered her true calling at The Book Loft.

In addition to her work in Fernandina Beach, Nelson was deeply committed to civic life. She was the first female president of the Erie County Chamber of Commerce and served on the Board of Trustees of the Sandusky State Theatre. Her volunteer service included committee work with the Sandusky Bay Festival and the March of Dimes, as well as board service with Communities in Schools in Fernandina Beach. She was also an active member of St. Michael’s Prayer Group.

She is survived by her three children: Elizabeth Mary Hickey (Christopher), David William Nelson (Cynthia), and Jeffrey Paul Nelson (Heather); eight grandchildren, Lauren, Maire Kate, Clare, Anne, Joseph, Austin (Jacqueline), Andrew, and Ruby; and four siblings, Joann Cleary Moore, Kevin Michael Moore, PhD, and Alane Moore Pollan, MA. She was preceded in death by her brother, Brian Paul Moore, MD.

Nelson will be remembered for her kindness, intelligence, humor, and unwavering devotion to family, friends, and community. Her legacy lives on through the countless readers she inspired and the lives she touched.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, February 3, at Oxley-Heard Funeral Home in Fernandina Beach. A Funeral Mass will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, February 4, at St. Michael's Catholic Church, followed by a Celebration of Life at Walker’s Landing.

Memorial contributions may be made to Communities in Schools in Susan Nelson’s memory at https://secure.qgiv.com/for/susannelsontribute/