Janice Carol Nelson, 61, of Roxton passed away Sunday, October 5, 2014 at Paris Regional Medical Center. She was born on February 19, 1953 in Paris to Goldie and Ruth Vandygriff. She grew up in Roxton and graduated from Roxton High School. On February 1, 1974, she married the love of her life, Don Nelson. She graduated from East Texas State University with a Master’s Degree in Education. She was a dedicated employee of Roxton Independent School District for 32 years. Teaching was her passion and numerous lives were touched even long after she retired.
She was a member of The First Baptist Church of Roxton where she was active since an early age and was the pianist for many years.
In June of 1995, Carol started a journey in her life, which led her to be an inspiration for so many. She was diagnosed with breast cancer and proved to others that life was not about losing battles, but conquering them. She encouraged others to have hope and always look at the bright side of life. Even through the difficult times, she always had a smile on her face and a kind, loving word of encouragement to offer others.
Don and Carol’s life revolved around their three children, Melissa, Doug, and Lea Ann. In 2004, Carol gained not only a son-in-law, but one she considered a second son, Matthew Albus. Being a “Maw Maw” to grandchildren, Lane and Ella, was her most cherished responsibility and one of her biggest motivators in her continued battle with cancer. You can’t imagine the smile that would light up on her face when they were in her presence.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 8, at the Roxton ISD Fine Art’s Building with Bro. Ernie Overstreet officiating. Burial will follow at Restland Cemetery under the direction of Fry-Gibbs Funeral Home. There will be no formal visitation.
Pallbearers will be Bobby Cooper, David Rutherford, David Pitcock, Tel Pitcock, Dan Ramsey, Mark Martin, Jeff Holcombe, and Joe Scott.
Survivors include her husband of 40 years who stood by her side every step of her 19 year journey with cancer and never wavered, Don Nelson. She is also survived by her children, Melissa Albus and husband, Matthew, son, Doug Nelson, and daughter, Lea Ann Nelson; grandchildren, Lane and Ella Nelson; sister, Golda Humphries and husband, George; brother, Robert Joe Vandygriff and wife, Deb. She is also survived by her mother-in-law, Elizabeth Nelson; Nieces and nephews include Kyle Humphries, Brian Humphries and wife, Jamie, Jill Tidwell and husband, Fletcher, and Jason Vandygriff and wife, Brooke. Great nieces and nephews include Clay and Elizabeth Humphries, Bennett and Beau Tidwell, and Whitten and Augustus Vandygriff.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Goldie and Ruth Vandygriff, father-in-law, Dean Nelson, sister-in-law, Priscilla Vandygiff, and brother-in-law, Hal Nelson.
Carol had a love for helping those in need, but especially those battling cancer, which affected her life so deeply. If desired, memorials may be made to Lili’s Legacy, P.O. Box 961, Paris, Texas 75461.
The family would like to thank the many doctors, nurses, and other medical personnel who have helped take care of our wife ,mom, and maw maw through the years. We especially thank Dr. Prakash, Tricia Basden, and staff at Paris Cancer Center, Platinum Home Health, and mom’s special nurse, Rachel Wood.
Online condolences may be made to the Nelson family by visiting www.fry-gibbs.com.
Elizabeth Allen Smith, 95, of Paris, passed away Monday, October 06, 2014.
Bright-Holland Funeral Home has scheduled memorial services for 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 9th, at Central Presbyterian Church with Rev. David A. Darrow officiating. Inurnment will follow in the Columbarium of Central Presbyterian Church.
Mrs. Smith, the daughter of Franz & Therese Klingshirn, was born Aug. 24, 1919, in Landshut, Germany.
On Aug. 18, 1948, she married John Clinton Allen, and he preceded her in death in 1971. She was also preceded in death by her parents, a brother and a sister.
She was a member of Central Presbyterian Church. During her career she worked at Sears, The Fashion and Back On The Rack.
Survivors include her daughter, Terry Ray & husband Mike of Paris, three nephews and their families who live in Germany, and two special friends, Vicki Taylor and Chloe Byrd.
To leave a message or tribute for the family please visit www.brighthollandfuneralhome.com.
