Wanda Bullock Nelson

Wanda Rose Bullock Nelson, born on April 15, 1929, passed away on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at the age of 96.

Wanda was born in Glenmore, Louisiana. After she graduated high school, she attended Louisiana State University. While there, she met and married the love of her life, Billy Nelson. They moved to West Monroe shortly after where she graduated from Northeastern College in Monroe with a business degree and subsequently taught typing and shorthand at West Monroe High School. She later received a Master’s Degree in English and became a well-respected, much-loved English teacher at Franklinton High School. To this day, former students credit “Miss” Wanda with not only their love of literature, but also in shaping their futures.

Wanda’s love of flowers led to her being certified as a Master of Floral Arrangement. She judged numerous flower shows and participated each year in the flower show at Washington Parish Free Fair winning numerous ribbons and awards. She loved volunteering, was active in United Methodist Women, serving as Louisiana State Treasurer of UMW, and volunteered yearly at Mile Branch Settlement at the fair selling and collecting quilt raffle tickets while greeting visitors. Enjoying bridge, she played weekly and more, both in a ladies’ group and with Billy playing duplicate bridge. She loved listening to music and even took piano lessons for a short time along with her three children.

Before Billy’s retirement, they enjoyed the opportunity to live in Nicaragua for two years while Billy worked on a project for LSU. After their retirements, they enjoyed numerous trips, including Europe, Hawaii, Tahoe, and Banff, Canada.

Faith and family defined Wanda’s life. Encouraging her children to excel and celebrating their achievements were paramount to her. Mimi had a wonderful relationship with her grandchildren and delighted in visiting and playing with them.

Wanda is survived by her daughters, Judith “Judy” Pace (Ronnie) and Barbara Smith (Gary); sister, Gay Melder (LJ); grandchildren, Kate Cordaro (David), Amanda Lynch (MJ), Ryan Stegall (Marcie), Kyle Stegall (Claire), Jennifer Phillips (Andrew), Laura Dixon (Miles), and Neil Smith; 12 great-children; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Billy D. Nelson; son, John P. Nelson; parents, Hardy and Lola Bullock; brother, LG Bullock; and sisters, Lorene Gormley, Melba Mayeaux, Mildred “Myrtle” Baker, Verna Lee Billings, and Fay Holloway.

Visitation will take place at St. John’s United Methodist Church, Baton Rouge, Wednesday, October 1, 2025, beginning at 9:00 AM with service at 10:00 AM. Burial will take place at Morris Cemetery in Franklinton, Louisiana at 2:30 PM later that day. Services will be officiated by Reverends Lane Cotton Winn and Drew Sutton.

The family would like to give special thanks to Gardenview Assisted Living and all the caring staff, as well as Compasses Hospice.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com.