Janelle K. Nelson's Obituary
Janelle Nelson was born in Waxahachie, Texas on December 10, 1927, to Robert Edward and Maymie (Marks) Kelly. She enjoyed close relationships with both her parents and her cousins who became her ultimate playmates and confidants.
Janelle had many interests and pursued them with fierce determination.
She played the clarinet in the school marching band and was a majorette. Later in life, she began to sew, knit, and crochet. Sourcing flea markets, roadside antique stores, and rummage sales, she sourced massive table legs. Using power tools and fine silk, she created beautiful lamps and lampshades. Aerobics, step class, investing, prayer group, Bible study, sorority, and completing her Master's in Education, she enjoyed them all.
None compared to her love of music, however, and she led singing gospels in her Sunday school class at Lovers Lane UMC. She also began studying the organ, then joined a vocal ensemble, both through Romeo Music in Dallas. This group traveled the Metroplex performing for residents in skilled nursing and memory care facilities.
Janelle met the love of her life, Vernon O. Nelson, in golf class at North Texas State University. They married in 1948. Their son, Steven Edward, was born in January of 1950, (Jan and Vern were both still college students) their son, Harvard Kent, in March of 1953, and daughter, Dayna, December of 1957.
Janelle taught school for DISD for 30 years while Vernon worked at LTV. They led an active social life, and continued with a busy schedule after retirement. Until both Kent and Vern were diagnosed with terminal illnesses. Kent passed in 2001. Vernon, 10 months later. In 2020, Janell moved into Avalon Memory Care Facility in Carrollton, where she was lovingly cared for until her death on Sunday, June 22, 2025. Special thanks here to Millie, for her years of kindness and patience, and more recently, Rebecca (Avalon Director), and Sharika.
Janelle is preceded in death by her parents, husband, and son.
She is survived by her son, Steve (wife, Samantha) and daughter, Dayna.
Also surviving are grandchildren Kelly McCormick, and Kery Nelson (wife, Sharon.
Palma de Charmoy (husband, Luke) and Roman Nardozza, who provided enormous support to her for many years.
Janelle will always be remembered as an independent, industrious woman. Our love for her is eternal.
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