Obituary of Mildred Nelson

Mildred Nelson, 87, of Tom passed away Wednesday, January 28, 2009 at Christus St. Michael Hospital in Texarkana. She was born on May 27, 1921 in the Tom Community, the daughter of John and Maudie Park Jones. Mildred married Delbert Nelson on July 13, 1940 in Idabel. Mildred was raised in the Tom Community. She graduated from Texas Women University in Denton, Texas in 1958. Mildred was an elementary school teacher for Janie Stark Elementary School in Farmers Branch, Texas and for several years at Tom Elementary. In 1988 she retired after 30 years of teaching. She was a wonderful homemaker. Mildred was a talented cook and seamstress. She also made quilts and crafts. She raised a garden every year and had some very beautiful flowers as well. Mildred loved animals, especially her dogs "Rags" and "Big Boy". She was an expert marksman winning second place as the only female in a contest during college. Mildred was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and teacher. She was affectionately known to her family, friends, and students as "Mama Nelson". She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Donny Ray Nelson; and a son-in-law, Phil Weathers. Mildred is survived by her husband, Delbert Nelson of Tom; sons and daughters-in-law, Larry and Irene Nelson of Tom, Bobby and Vicki Nelson of Wylie, Texas, and Mike and Margie Nelson of Windsor, Colorado; a daughter, Jean Weathers of Tom; 12 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; 11 great-great-grandchildren; many other relatives, friends and former students.