Mary Tress Gabrielleschi Nellis

Mary Tress Gabrielleschi Nellis, lovingly known as "Tress", beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 18, 2026, in Memphis, Tennessee, at the age of 82.

Born on March 17, 1943, in Memphis, Tennessee, Tress lived a life defined by love for her family, strength of character, and devotion to those she held dear. She will be remembered for her warmth, resilience, and the deep care she showed to family and friends throughout her life. Tress especially loved caring for those she loved through her cooking, always preparing family favorites that brought everyone together. She will be fondly remembered for her rainbow pancakes, ambrosia, and the best pimento cheese. Every Christmas, she continued the tradition of baking and gifting her lemon nut cakes, a recipe passed down by her mother and grandmother.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John William Nellis "Jack", and her parents, Mary Burke Gabrielleschi and Virgil J. Gabrielleschi, as well as longtime companion Louis Sampson.

Tress was the eldest of four siblings. She is survived by her sisters, Amy Moody of Memphis, TN; Christy Balsiger (Chris) of El Paso, TX; and her brother, Michael "Gabe" Gabrielleschi (Rachel), also of Memphis, TN, as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and close friends.

Tress's legacy endures through her beloved children and grandchildren. She is survived by her son, John William Nellis II (Karen), and their children, John William III "Jack" (20) and Nicholas Robert Nellis (17), all of Memphis, TN. She is also survived by her daughter, Jamie Nellis Neufeld (Jon), and their children, Logan James (14), Riley Jane (13), and Emily Julianne Neufeld (10), all of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

As "Nonnie," she took immense pride in each of her grandchildren and enjoyed watching them learn and grow. Tress will be remembered for her enduring love, her generous spirit, and the many lives she touched. Her memory will be treasured always by those who knew and loved her.

On March 2, 2026, family and friends will gather to honor Tress's life at St. Louis Catholic Church. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m., with a Mass celebrated at 10:00 a.m. A reception will follow in the Clunan Center. A private burial will be held on March 3, 2026, at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Christian Brothers High School or to the charity of the donor's choice.