Earlene Nelson

Earlene Nelson passed away early Friday, January 12, 2024, surrounded by a close group of her dear children and grandchildren. She will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, fierce determination, independent spirit, wisdom, and the deep love of her family.

Earlene was born in Everett, Washington, the sixth of 7 children. She spoke fondly of growing up there, remembering the taste of freshly picked blackberries or apples straight from the orchard. She also often reminisced about swimming off the shores of Orcas Island. Throughout her childhood, she enjoyed the natural treasures of her home state. She remained a lifelong lover of nature, taking pleasure in gardening and bird watching, with a special fondness for cardinals. When she moved to Texas in the late 60s, she expanded her family and circle of friends. She wowed everyone with her fantastic culinary skills. Whether she was making well-loved favorites like fried chicken and apple pies or impressive multi-tiered wedding cakes, she always prepared everything with love. In fact, she rarely measured with anything but her heart. In the 80s, she learned to decorate cakes and embarked on a new profession which she had only retired from in the last ten years because she always approached life with zest and valued her independence. One of her most loved activities was her bowling league, which she attended twice a week. Earlene had a creative nature, so she enjoyed pursuing arts and crafts like painting, sewing, arranging flowers, and making gifts for her family. Undoubtedly, though, the most important way that she spent her time was with her dear family. With eight children and over two dozen grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she built a legacy she was immensely proud of. Without hesitation, she said she most wanted to be remembered for being a good mother and grandmother. Truthfully, she was the very best.

Earlene was preceded in death by her parents; several siblings, including her dear older sister Jean Sharer and younger brother, Charles Smith; her husband Lee Nelson, Sr.; her beloved son David Mellema, and her darling grandson, Nickolas Nelson. She is survived by children Michael Mellema (Linda), Debra Johnson (Cal), LeeAnne Kluck (Garrett), Sharon Nelson (Troy), Jonathan Nelson (Ashley), Rachel Nelson (James), and Gideon Nelson (Jamie), stepsons Lee Nelson, Jr. (Paulette), Mark Nelson (JoAnne), and David Nelson (Diane) plus her numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In all ways, Earlene was a wonderful, beautiful, strong woman whose immeasurable love and light will be missed terribly.