Obituary of Edna Wetzel Nelson

Edna Wetzel Nelson, of Mt. Vernon, formerly of Leesburg, passed away Monday morning, December 11, 2017 in Mt. Pleasant at the age of 79. Edna was born May 7, 1938 in Winnsboro to Manuel and Fannie Suiter Wetzel. She married Arvil Nelson on December 16, 1955. In the 57 years they shared together, the couple raised three children. In 1963 she started working as a nurse; a career which would last 42 years. During that time she also worked as a nursing home administrator and was instrumental in starting most of the alzheimers care units in the North East Texas area.

Edna was a devout Christian. Her Christian compassion was a central element of her life, and she loved giving back to the community and doing for others. She spent many years volunteering with Meals on Wheels, was a lifetime member of Good Sams, and was a volunteer ombudsman advocate for nursing home residents. Edna was also involved in Business Women of Texas. When not busy caring for others Edna enjoyed painting, and was quite a talented amateur artist. Most importantly, she was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Edna is survived by her two sons: Anthony Nelson and wife Deborah of Leesburg, and Maurice Nelson and wife Sue of Pittsburg; a daughter: Tresea Nelson of Victoria; four grandchildren: Gavin Nelson, Nicolas Nelson, Serena Cole, and Jay Abbas; 7 great-grandchildren; four brothers: Kenneth Wetzel and wife Reba of Winnsboro, Raymond Wetzel and wife Carolyn of Pittsburg, Milton Wetzel of Pickton, and Johnny Wetzel and wife Judy of Winnsboro; a sister: Bobbie Powell and husband James of Latch; along with numerous nieces and nephews and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents: Manuel and Fannie Wetzel; her husband: Arvil Nelson; and a sister: Nelda Deishler.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, December 14, 2017 at Erman Smith Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Dwight Drake officiating. Burial will follow at Mapel Springs Cemetery in Camp County. Visitation with the family will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. Wednesday, December 13, at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Mike Powell, Hunter Powell, Harold Wetzel, Dale Wetzel, Larry Mitchell, and Billy Wetzel. Honorary Pallbearers will be John Wetzel, Jr,. Aaron Pearson, Kerry Powell, and John Deishler.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Mrs. Nelson's name to the Newsome Community Center at PO Box 102 Leesburg, Texas 75451.