W. Jenelle Nelson, of Dallas, TX, passed away on July 23, 2020. She was born July 9, 1935, in Wink, TX, to John Allen Williamson and Lilla Arlena (Henderson) Williamson. She was born and raised in west Texas. Jenelle graduated from Kermit High School in 1953 where she participated in many clubs, played flute in the band, and became the drum major her senior year. She attended college at Texas Tech University and Hardin Simmons University where she made life-long friends as an HSU Cowgirl. While at Hardin Simmons, she met her beloved husband, David, whom she married in 1956. In 1958, Jenelle finished her Bachelor of Arts in Education at Eastern New Mexico University. She started her teaching career in Artesia, NM, in 1959 and went on to teach throughout New Mexico, west Texas, central Texas, and south Texas. She retired from her long and successful teaching career in Mesquite, Texas, 40 plus years later. After retirement, she continued to tutor and substitute teach for another 10 years. Jenelle patiently and graciously taught hundreds of children over the years sharing her love for reading and her most treasured gift, her faith in Jesus Christ. One of her most favorite places to live was Brownwood, Texas where she operated a furniture and interior decorating store, Nelson Interiors, with her husband for over ten years. Jenelle again made life-long friends in Brownwood with whom she enjoyed skiing in the winters and watching her sons play football in high school and college. What gave Jenelle the greatest joy, though, were her family, especially her grandchildren. Each summer, she enjoyed taking them to Ruidoso, New Mexico and building memories to last a lifetime. Time at Nana’s house, as she was affectionately called, meant being adored and loved in a special and unforgettable way. Jenelle was the best kind of friend, mother, and grandmother, the kind that lasts a lifetime and will be deeply missed by all.
Jenelle is survived by her sons: Greg Nelson and wife Shari, and Kendal Nelson and wife Rachael; grandchildren: Jonathan Nelson, Kathleen Nelson, Elizabeth Jaggers and husband Tucker, Joseph Nelson, and Payton Nelson; sister: Dorothy Stone; and brother: Don Williamson and Joan White. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband: David Nelson; and her parents.
A private funeral & graveside service to celebrate Jenelle’s life will be held at Rest Haven Funeral Home-Rockwall Location.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at Veterans Charity – Non Profit Organization for Veterans | WWP
