Gretchen Nelson Scott Vann passed away on Monday, June 2, 2014. Gretchen was born in Marianna, Florida on December 21, 1935 to the late Marion G. and Barbara W. Nelson. Past infancy, Gretchen was a life long resident of Panama City.

Gretchen attended and graduated from Panama Grammar School and graduated from Bay High School in 1953. She then attended and graduated from Wesleyan College, receiving a BA in Music.

Gretchen had a great love for family, friends, faith and music. Many of her friends and family will recall receiving needlepoint, knitted and cross-stitched gifts, which she enjoyed making greatly. Many in the community will also remember her gift of singing, which she shared freely, gracing many weddings and funerals. She also enjoyed social activities belonging to groups like the D.A.R, As You Like It, Paper Dolls and the Women's Club.

During her life, Gretchen taught second grade at Cove Elementary, tutored students in her home and also worked at Nelson Buick Company. She was a life long member of First Presbyterian Church were she served others through teaching Sunday School and bible study as well as serving in various women's groups there. Gretchen had a strong faith and lived her life enlightened by Christ's greatest commandment. Her favorite verse from scripture was Mathew 7:12; "In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." Gretchen always left people and things she came upon a bit better for her having been there.

Her parents, Marion G. and Barbara Wing Nelson, whom she loved greatly, predeceased Gretchen. She is survived by two sons, James Carey Scott, III, his fiancé Nancy Healey and Marion Nelson Scott, Sr. and his wife Lee McArthur Scott, six grandchildren; Elizabeth Ashby Scott, Nelson Walthour Scott, Marion Nelson Scott, Jr., Margaret Lee Scott, Julian McArthur Scott, Duncan Merck Scott; one brother, Marion G. Nelson, Jr., his wife Donna, her nephew Mark. G. Nelson and her niece, Tricia Nelson Becker. Lastly, her beloved dog, Molly, who brought Gretchen much joy, companionship and love, will miss her.

The family invites family and friends for visitation on Thursday, June 5 beginning at 1 PM at the First Presbyterian Church of Panama City. The funeral service will immediately follow, beginning at 3 PM. Interment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery. Those desiring may make memorial donations to the First Presbyterian Church, 100 E 7th Street, Panama City, FL 32401 or to Covenant Hospice, 107 W 19th Street, Panama City, FL 32405 in memory of Gretchen Vann.