Jan Wilkerson Nelson

Jan Wilkerson Nelson, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend was welcomed into the arms of her savior, Jesus Christ, on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at 4:15 PM at Harris Methodist Hospital HEB in Bedford, Texas. She was 72 years young and resided in Bedford with her devoted husband of 47 years, Tom Nelson. After a courageous five-year battle with stage IV pancreatic cancer, Jan passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on November 3, 1951, in Odessa, Texas, Jan was the daughter of Jessie Lee Vanderburg and Basil Wilkerson. From a young age, she displayed remarkable intelligence and diligence in her studies, earning good grades and recognition for her academic achievements. As a young girl, she embraced life as a cheerleader and was honored as the Crystal Debutant in 1972. After graduating from Odessa High School, Jan attended Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Speech Pathology. It was during this time that she met the love of her life, Thomas Edward Nelson. They married in her childhood church, First Christian Church in Odessa, four and a half years later.

Jan’s professional life was dedicated to helping others. Initially, she worked in Grand Prairie Independent School District, using her degree to support children in developing their speech. After the birth of her second child, she focused on her family, pouring her heart into raising her children and maintaining a loving home. Jan was known for her entrepreneurial spirit, often selling products to friends, neighbors and strangers, while also volunteering at church, mentoring high school students, and leading PTA initiatives. When she returned to the workplace as an executive director of The ARK Group, she made a lasting impact on countless lives across West Dallas during her 18-year tenure, by teaching adults how to foster self-esteem in children.

Jan’s greatest joys were her family: her husband Tom, her children Ross (and wife Kate), Jayse, and Barrett, and her cherished grandsons, Knox and Teddy. She lived a faithful and joyful life, committed to spreading love and positivity to everyone she encountered. Jan was known for her incredible sense of humor, love for practical jokes, and her ability to make any situation fun. She formed deep friendships, nurtured many children, and volunteered for causes dear to her heart. She loved traveling, spending time with her girlfriends, caring for others, doting on her dogs, Angus and Lucy, playing games, indulging her sweet tooth, watching movies, and rejoicing in the Lord. Her friends and family will remember her as a joyful, caring, and humorous spirit, with an infectious laugh that could light up any room.

Jan is survived by her adoring husband and children, her grandsons, and her siblings Glenn Wilkerson (and Dana Kervin), Steve (and Cathy) Wilkerson, and her step-siblings Joy Rice, Gay Nann (and Dennis) Kuempel, Judy Cambern, and Freddie (and Sandy) Vanderburg. She is also survived by her brother-in-law BR Nelson, sisters-in-law, Carol Wilkerson, Karen Wilkerson (and David Jupp), numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and both of her loyal dogs.

Jan was preceded in death by her parents, Jessie Lee Vanderburg and Basil Wilkerson; her step-father, Fred Vanderburg; her parents-in-law, Barbara and BJ Nelson; her brother, Dean Wilkerson, and many dear friends and relatives, including her three well-loved pups, Dax, Jasmine, and Bella.

While her big personality and presence will be deeply missed, there is comfort in knowing that she is healed and whole. Lauren Daigle’s song “Thank God I Do” seems to perfectly express the relief and joy that Jan is experiencing:

I’ve started breathing

The weight is lifted here

With you, it’s easy

My head is finally clear

There’s nothing missing

When You are by my side

I took the long road

But now I realize

I’m home with You, I’m home

In lieu of flowers, we invite you to honor Jan’s remarkable legacy by donating to the following causes that held great significance in her life.

The ARK Group

Jan dedicated 18 years, including many unpaid, to advancing the mission of The ARK Group: elevating the self-concept of children to enhance their emotional health and performance. This work was profoundly important to her, and she touched countless lives, leaving a lasting impact on the West Dallas community.

Link to Donate: thearkgroup.org/jan

Your contributions will help the ARK Group continue to make an impact and support the mission that Jan cherished.

Pancreatic Cancer Action Network

Jan faced her diagnosis of stage IV pancreatic cancer, received on November 2, 2019, with unparalleled strength and resilience. With a five-year survival rate of just 3%, her journey was a testament to her willful and faithful spirit. By the time she was diagnosed, the cancer had metastasized, but Jan fought bravely for nearly five years, never allowing her illness to overshadow her joy or faith in God. She shared kindness with hospital staff, offering prayers and Starbucks cards, and filling the halls with her laughter.

Link to Donate: http://support.pancan.org/goto/jan-wilkerson-nelson

Your contributions will help their mission of improving the lives of everyone impacted by pancreatic cancer.

Thank you for celebrating her life and legacy with us.

A celebration of Life for Jan will be held Friday, November 1, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Compass Church, 2600 Hall Johnson Road, Colleyville, TX.