Juanita Nelson

Juanita S. Nelson, born on Sept. 21, 1931 in Arcadia, LA, passed from this life on April 20, 2006 in Tyler. She graduated from Homer High School and attended Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, LA. A lifelong Methodist, she served as membership secretary at Community United Methodist Church in Casselberry, Florida for 15 years. Nita married Ed Nelson in Homer, LA in 1952 and shared 54 wonderful years together including traveling extensively, visiting all 48 of the continental United States. They lived in Tyler for a short time, then later Shreveport, St. Louis, and Orlando, FL before retiring and returning to Tyler in 1995 to be closer to their son, daughter-in-law, and grandson, Matt. After returning to Tyler, Nita became an active member of Marvin United Methodist Church where she served on the Senior Adult Council, Grownups, Administrative Board, and as a faithful greeter with smiles and hugs for all. Until her illness, she never missed a Sunday in the Friendly Class and was a Loaves and Fishes worker in the kitchen at many Mission Weeks. She also volunteered at the East Texas Food Bank and Meals on Wheels for many years. She was preceded in death by her parents, Hiram and Ruth Sanford. Her survivors are her husband, Ed; sister, Jean Whitehurst of Haynesville, LA; brother, Charles Sanford and wife Karlene of Homer, LA; son, David Nelson of Tyler and his wife Terri, and grandson Matt. Nita fought the good fight when she became ill and had a great spirit. She made a quiet difference in many lives in her time here with us. Memorials can be made to the Salvation Army, 633 N. Broadway Ave., Tyler 75702 or Marvin United Methodist Church Mission Week, 300 W. Erwin St., Tyler 75701. A family graveside service will be held on Saturday at Bascom Cemetery with Dr. Robert Montgomery officiating under the direction of Stewart Family Funeral Home, south Tyler. A celebration of Death and Resurrection will be held at Marvin United Methodist Church on Sunday, April 23, 2006 at 3 pm. Presiding will be Dr. Michael D. Dent, Rev. Jeffrey Olive, Rev. Nona Taylor, and Dr. Robert Montgomery. A reception will follow in the Church Parlor.

Juanita Nelson

September 21, 1931 - April 20, 2006