Nella Jean Fouse (née Toles)
28 March 1928 – 1 June 2025
With hearts full of love and deep sorrow, we announce the passing of our cherished grandmother, Nella Jean Fouse, née Toles, whose gentle spirit and boundless kindness touched the lives of all who knew her. Mrs. Fouse left this world wrapped in the love of her grandchildren on June 1, 2025 in Paris, Lamar County, Texas, at the age of 97.
Born on March 28, 1928 in Brashear, Hopkins County, Texas, Nella Jean was the seventh of eight children born to William Judston Toles of Alabama and Mary Lela Toles (née Clark) of Tennessee. Life brought her hardships early; she lost both parents by the age of 14. But even in the face of such profound loss, Nella Jean’s spirit remained gentle, strong, and radiant with kindness.
She found a home in the care of her older brother William Lee Toles and his wife, Jewell, and it was during these years that the grace and generosity that defined her life truly began to shine. On June 26, 1944, she married Dossie Fouse, Jr., in a ceremony officiated by Pastor J.L. Helms at the Assembly of God Church in Hopkins County. Their union was one of hard work and quiet devotion. They spent the early months of their marriage near Houston before returning to settle in Peerless, Hopkins County—a place Nella Jean would call home for most of her life.
Together with her husband and in-laws, she farmed cotton before establishing Fouse and Son Dairy in the 1950s. Nella was no stranger to early mornings and long days, yet she carried herself with grace, joy, and a warm heart that always had room for others.
Nella Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Dossie, in 1975, and by their only child, Billy Don Fouse, in 1992. Yet through these deep losses, she never wavered in her faith or her ability to love others deeply. Her greatest joy became her grandchildren, Cyndi and Gary, whom she loved with fierce devotion and endless hugs. She made them—and everyone she met—feel treasured. Whether you were family, a friend, or a stranger, Nella Jean had a way of making you feel like the most important person in the world. Her warm smile, twinkling eyes, and famous hugs had a way of staying with you.
In 1974, Nella began working outside the home, first at H.D. Lee Company and later at Munvey’s sewing factory. She remained a woman of deep faith throughout her life and was a devoted member of Immanuel Baptist Church in Sulphur Springs. Her life was a reflection of quiet faith, generous love, and unwavering kindness.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 31 years, Dossie Fouse, Jr.; her son, Billy Don Fouse; and all seven of her siblings—Beula May Toles, Lewis Frank Toles, William Lee (Jewell) Toles, Pauline (I.D.) Chandler, Leiland Randolph (Ruth) Toles, Rada (Arthur) Ross, and Bobby (Linnie) Toles.
Those left to cherish her memory include her daughter-in-law, Helen Harrison; her beloved grandchildren, Cyndi (Rod) Harlin and Gary (Mallory) Fouse; her precious great- grandchildren—Paula (Anthony) Harris, Kealey Harlin, Lindsey Kroening, Cheyenne (Cogan) Fouse, Maddison Fouse, and Mayzie Fouse; and her dear great-great-grandchildren, Lucas Kroening, Ryan Kroening and Harlyn Harris.
Nella Jean’s legacy is not written in wealth or accolades, but in the way she made everyone feel like family. Her home was always open, her arms always ready for a hug, and her heart never ran out of love. She made you feel like you belonged whether you had known her for years or minutes.
She will be missed more than words can express, but her warmth will live on in the hearts of all who were lucky enough to be loved by her.
Cremation was under the care and direction of Bright-Holland Funeral Home.
To leave a message or tribute for the family please visit www.brighthollandfuneralhome.com
