Nelda Nelson

Nelda Ruth Nelson (Wilson) passed from this life to her heavenly reward on Saturday, January 17, 2026, surrounded by her family.

Nelda was born on November 14, 1942, in Ivanhoe, Texas to Doyle and Ruthie Fay (Adamson) Wilson. She attended North Fannin Schools and graduated as the Valedictorian of her class in 1961.

She married Larry Neil Nelson in March of 1962, and they welcomed their only child, Tamra, in 1966. Larry and Nelda were married, just shy of 64 years, but they had also courted for three years during high school.

Nelda pursued a career in banking. She served a variety of banks in Bonham, Garland, Grand Prairie, Mexia, and Palestine and was proud to be a loan officer and bank vice president upon her retirement.

Nelda was a preacher's kid and accepted Christ at a young age. She accompanied her parents and her baby sister, Kathryn across northeast Texas to serve at a variety of churches and revivals. Her strong faith and daily discipline of Bible study carried her through a sixteen-year battle with multiple myeloma and many other chronic health issues.

Nelda was a talented homemaker and always had a beautiful home decorated with drapes that she made herself. She made the best pies, and dessert was never missing at any meal. She painted, played the piano, balanced her checkbook to the penny, and enjoyed a good Sharon Young clothing sale every chance she got. She and Larry both enjoyed gardening and she always had a beautiful garden and yard. She will most definitely enjoy her mansion in glory!

Nelda leaves behind her family, husband Larry, sister Kathryn Edwards (Ray), daughter Tamra Walker, granddaughters Landry Walker Henthorne (Colin), and Chaney Rae Walker, and great granddaughter, Lucy Ruth Henthorne. She has three surviving sisters in law, numerous nieces, and nephews and a church family at Cottonwood Creek Baptist Church who will all miss her fellowship.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ruthie Fay and Doyle Wilson.

The family kindly requests that donations made in memory of Nelda go to the Cancer Society at Cottonwood Creek Baptist Church, Allen, Texas, www.cottonwoodcreek.org or a charity of your choice.

Nelda requested a graveside service only, but due to expected temperatures in North Texas this week, her service will be held at Cooper Sorrells Funeral Home Chapel in Bonham, TX on Tuesday, January 20 at 11:00 am with Pastor Cody Nelson officiating. Visitation will be immediately prior to the service at 10:00.