NELSON, EDNA (WETZEL)  1938 - 2017

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.