Elizabeth Ann Nelson, known as Bess to most, was born on December 3, 1923, at her family home on Jones Lane in Roxton, Texas, the daughter of Aud and Pearl Hancock. She left her earthly home on April 1, 2025 at the remarkable age of 101 years old. Fry-Gibbs Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements. A service in the chapel of Fry-Gibbs Funeral Home will be held on Friday, April 4, 2025 at 11:00 AM with her former student, Scott Galyon, officiating. Burial will be at Restland Cemetery in Roxton, Texas.
Bess was a proud graduate of Roxton High School and went on to earn her Master of Education from East Texas State College in August of 1961— a testament to her lifelong dedication to guiding others and sharing her love for people.
On January 17, 1946, Bess married the love of her life, Harold “Dean” Nelson, in Roxton. Together, they built a life grounded in love, hard work, and family. A member of the First United Methodist Church in Roxton, Bess’s faith served as a guiding light throughout her life.
She began her teaching career in a small schoolhouse in Noble, Texas, and later joined Roxton ISD, where she dedicated 38 years before retiring in 1986. Her classroom was more than just a place of learning — it was a haven where students felt seen, valued, and supported. She cherished the relationships she formed with her students, which remained dear to her throughout her life.
Known for her warmth, wisdom, and gift of storytelling, Bess was always eager to share tales of days gone by. She found great joy in working in her yard and took special pride in handcrafting Christmas stockings — lovingly made and shared with family and friends through the years. These keepsakes have become cherished by so many. She was a token in the community of Roxton and her door was always open to family, friends, and former students. She loved visiting and being around people.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Dean Nelson; her son, Hal Nelson; her sister, Nelma Rae Tharp; her brother-in-law, Gene Tharp; her daughter-in-law, Carol Nelson; and her nephew, Phillip Tharp and a host of other relatives and friends.
Bess is survived by her son, Don Nelson of Roxton; her grandchildren, Melissa Albus and husband Matthew of Roxton, Doug Nelson of Roxton, and Lea Ann Tatum and husband J.R. of Longview; her great-grandchildren, Lane and Ella Nelson; and her nieces, Ann Gabeline and Karen Smith; cousin, Lou Ann Perry, along with many other relatives and close friends whose lives she touched deeply.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Waterford Hospice and their extraordinary care team, who started as caregivers and then became dear friends over the past few years. Special thanks to The Home Place of Paris for providing a nurturing and comforting environment for her to call home during her final years. To say she led a blessed life would be an understatement.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the Roxton Ex-Students Association in her honor.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.fry-gibbs.com.
