Joy Frances Mills Nelson

Joy Frances Mills Nelson, 91, of Wrightsboro, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2012.

Joy was born Jan. 17, 1921, in Gonzales County, to Stayton and Madeline Christian Mills. Joy married William McCarley “Mack” Nelson on Aug. 6, 1942, in Ft. Leonard Wood, Mo.

Joy was a long-time member of the First Baptist Church in Gonzales. She loved her church and cherished attending services. She had enjoyed attending revival meetings in Smiley in years past held by long-time family friend Rev. George Schultz. Joy was a God-fearing woman with an unwavering faith. She was a sweet and caring lady with never a cross word spoken. Joy was an immaculate housekeeper and enjoyed keeping up with the needs of her home and yard. She gave of herself in caring for her elderly mother and father and, sadly, her husband Mack as an illness required her to care for his every need. Eventually, as his illness progressed, Joy welcomed the loving assistance of her family’s dear friend J.B. Lester.

Joy loved to take trips to San Antonio to shop; she collected angels and cherubs that adorned every nook and cranny of her home. She was very close to her Aunt Rosella Kifer, and together they would make the nearly daily trip into the Dairy Queen to share a “Dude” sandwich. Joy would delight in visiting with people; she had a warm smile and air about her that clearly defined her as a Lady. She sometimes would reminisce upon a saying of her father’s, “I might not have set the world on fire, but I sure raised a good little girl.” His words rang true throughout the life of Joy Mills Nelson.

Joy was preceded in death by her husband and parents, but is survived by many who love her and will cherish her memory.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 21, in Seydler-Hill Funeral Home with Rev. Bob Burchard officiating. Interment will follow in Wrightsboro Cemetery. Pallbearers include John Lester, Jeff Lester, Louis Henry Bruns, Bubba Hermann, Morgan Barnett and J.C. Avant. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church, the Joy Bells in care of the First Baptist Church of Gonzales or Odyssey Hospice. Visitation was held at the funeral home Thursday, Sept. 20. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Seydler-Hill Funeral Home.