Ret. First Sergeant Gail Nelson

Ret. First Sergeant Gail Nelson, 83, of Sierra Vista, Arizona passed away on January 24, 2024 after a short illness.

Gail was born on February 13, 1940 to John and Roberta Nelson in Hemet, California. In June, 1966 she joined the Army. While Gail had many assignments in the Army, the two she enjoyed the most were serving in Long Binh, Vietnam from August, 1969 through December, 1972, and as a First Sergeant twice at Fort Huachuca, Arizona and once at Seoul, South Korea from March, 1986 until January, 1990. She was a true patriot and taking care of soldiers was her passion. In January, 1990, she retired from the Army after 23 years of service.

She is survived by her husband, Gary Terlisner, her best friend Deborah Wyatt, and Deborah's four children, Blake Wyatt, Elliott Wyatt, Anthony Wyatt, and Christina Wyatt who all called her 'papa'. She is also survived by her sisters Jean Dolley, Tonya Taylor, Lynn Betz and numerous nephews and nieces.

She will be remembered for all the heart she shared with her friends, family, and the soldiers who served with her. She truly loved each of them, and if you knew her, you knew it.

Services will be held at Southern Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery on March 13, 2024 at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Vietnam Women's Memorial, an organization Gail felt strongly about.