Tanya Jean (Wiser) Nelson

Tanya was born on December 10, 1958 in Dallas and was adopted at age two by Gene and Wanda Wiser. She was raised in Pleasant Grove and graduated from W.W. Samuell High School in 1976. Three years later, she married Alan Nelson and they had three children: Stephen, Kristen and Britney.

Tanya loved children and poured her time and talents into her different roles at First Baptist Academy where she taught preschool for eight years, served as the daycare’s assistant director for four years and as daycare director for 15 years.

Tanya had a heart for Jesus and most of her free time was spent serving in various ministries of the First Baptist Church in Forney. When she was not working in the daycare, Tanya loved on kids through her volunteer work in the children’s choir, youth group, Vacation Bible School, Upwards Basketball, Cheer and concessions, and in drama where you could find her acting as Petunia, Eggsmerelda and any other character she was asked to become. Most Sundays, you could find Tanya teaching Sunday school. When she was able, she would pour herself into mission work, traveling to Uruguay, Buffalo, NY and New Mexico. Tanya served in Faith Discipleship, the adult choir, handbells, Audience of One, Seekers and women's ministry. Basically, if there was a ministry opportunity at First Baptist, Tanya was likely there serving.

Tanya always had a smile on her face and a song on her lips. She was full of life and loved to have fun. She deeply loved her family and spending time together at their family lake house, playing games, watching movies and reading. She happily attended school events and family gatherings. A fierce game player, Tanya always made time to play cards and board games with family and Bunco with friends. She went couponing and garage-selling, she loved to sing, craft and think up characters she portray to make people laugh.

Tanya will be remembered by the love she had for Jesus as well as the love she had those whose paths crossed hers. She loved big and leaves behind an incredible legacy of light, laughter, and kindness. One of Tanya’s most precious gifts was her ability to make everyone feel welcomed and cared for. She literally left a trail of joy wherever she went.

Tanya is preceded in death by her parents, Gene and Wanda Wiser, her brother; Scoot Wiser, and her sister-in-law; Kathy Nelson.

She is survived by her husband, Alan Nelson; her children Stephen Nelson, Kristen Atwood (Ryan) and Britney Nelson (Renyl Hunter); her beloved grandchildren Ainsley and Ryder Atwood and Addison Anderson; her in-laws Reverend Vince and Dorothy Nelson; Mike Nelson; Bruce and Jana Nelson; Jeff and Karen Nelson; and her nieces and nephews Josh Nelson and Melissa Gladney; Cimone Kelly and Summer Nelson; Whitney, Spencer, Carley, Hogan and Ella Nelson.

Throughout her life and especially in her death. Tanya would want everyone who knew her to be reminded of what matters most ... the saving Grace of Jesus. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight” Proverbs 3:5-6

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Tanya's memory may be made to First Baptist Church Missions, P.O. Box 97, Forney, TX 75126 US, https://fbcforney.org/give/.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Grove-Hill.com for the Nelson family.