Peggy Ann Neilson

Peggy Ann Neilson, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister in Christ, passed away on the morning of March 26th, 2025, at 89 in Tucson, Arizona. The youngest child of Ora and Julius Henley, Peggy was born July 25th, 1936, in Matador, Motley County, Texas. Peggy often shared tales of her happy childhood on the family farm in Texas, including adorable stories of fishing in a nearby pond with her daddy Julius, with whom she was especially close. She had three siblings: J.D. Henley, Guy Calvert Henley, and Verlie Marie Henley Young, all predeceased.

At the tender age of thirteen, Peggy made a profound commitment to her faith. She was baptized at the Roaring Springs, Texas, Church of Christ, pledging to serve the Lord for the rest of her days. This early display of devotion set the tone for the rest of her life, inspiring those around her with her unwavering conviction. She was primed to be a preacher’s wife, a role she would unknowingly embrace in the future.

She married Phil Warren Neilson, her forever person, on August 28th, 1957, in Spur, Dickens County, Texas, after a romantic whirlwind courtship. Their marriage was a testament to their love, commitment to each other, and shared faith, and they spent 66 happy and supportive years together until Phil died in November 2023. During her time as a widow, she held up bravely, her faith sustaining her as she looked forward to the day when she and Phil would be reunited.

Peggy was a deeply respected member of her church and strove to lead by example, demonstrating kindness, honesty, and humility. Her impact and influence have been felt through multiple generations. Despite her unassuming and shy nature, her brothers and sisters in Christ recognized her as a matriarchal figure, a role she took very seriously and one that deeply influenced her life.

Peggy is survived by four living children, Doug Neilson, Shelly Matulin and her husband, Mike Matulin, Bryan Neilson and his wife, Roxanna Neilson, and Anita Koppens and her husband, Mel Koppens. She was predeceased by her son, Paul Neilson, who married Lisa Neilson.

She is also survived by grandchildren Matthew Matulin and his wife, Tiffany Matulin, Shavara McDaniels and her husband, Richie McDaniels, Shayne Neilson, Rachel Matulin, Daven Neilson, Akasha Matulin, Erik Matulin and his wife MaryAlice Matulin, Sally Rae Neilson, three great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by grandchildren Ramon Barron and Brady Neilson.

As a mother, Peggy was always warm, wise, and incredibly generous with anything she had to give. Her heart was a true place of shelter and acceptance. She sacrificed without a thought for herself, only for the family around her. Her selflessness was a tribute to her love for her children. She delighted in their triumphs and consoled them when life disappointed. The loss of her as a mother and role model is incomparable.

In addition to her commitment to family and faith, Peggy was an accomplished and prolific musician and composer. She wrote over one hundred original songs and lyrics in the gospel and bluegrass genres. She mostly favored the piano but also enthusiastically played the guitar, harmonica, and accordion. In her later years, she and her sister Verlie would compose music together, recording tapes and sending them back and forth for the other to write the accompaniment. The last time her mobility and spirit allowed her to be in her living room, she sat and played her beloved piano, much to the delight of those around her.

Peggy was also a passionate artist. She painted watercolor landscapes and animals, often referencing memories of her treasured years in Texas. She even embraced mixed media, intermingling paint and collage techniques. Up until her last months in this world, she enjoyed spending many hours experimenting with color combinations until her vision failed.

As a steward of the Lord’s land, Peggy always ensured the little desert animals around her home had plenty of water and shared a love of everything growing in the soil. Her deep love of nature was an extension of her kind soul, where she wanted all things to flourish and live in peace and beauty. Now she has shed her mortal coil to be reunited with her God and the precious loved ones gone before her. She will be sorely missed by all those who knew her, and her likeness will not be seen again.

A visitation for Peggy will be held Tuesday, April 8, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Funeraria del Angel South Lawn, 5401 South Park Ave, Tucson, AZ 85706. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, April 8, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, 5401 South Park Ave, Tucson, AZ 85706. A graveside committal will occur Tuesday, April 8, 2025 from 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM at South Lawn Cemetery, 5401 S Park Ave, Tucson, AZ 85706. A reception will occur Tuesday, April 8, 2025 from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, 5401 South Park Ave, Tucson, AZ 85706.