Dorothy Nelson

There are certain souls in this world who radiate kindness so freely that it warms everyone in their presence. Dorothy Louise Nelson was such a soul. Born in the small town of Sandia, Texas, on April 12, 1933, she was proudly raised on a dairy farm, often speaking fondly of her childhood.

Dorothy carried a gentle strength, a subtle elegance that needed no spotlight. She found her purpose in quiet gestures of love-a reassuring hug, a steady, knowing smile, or the warmth of her presence that spoke without words.

Dorothy's love story with AC began like something out of an old romance novel-a teenage girl asking a boy where he was headed, and his playful reply: "Crazy. You wanna go with me?" And so, they went, inseparable from that moment on. Married in 1949, they spent 67 years happily going "crazy" together, building a life full of love, laughter. Side by side, they raised their children-Sally, Angela, Donnie, and Johnny Paul-in the warmth of their family home in Caps, Texas. Dorothy went on to share more love and laughter that are now cherished memories that linger in the hearts of her children and grandchildren.

Dorothy was a nurturer, a caregiver, never seeking attention for herself but always looking out for others. She worked at Keaton Kolour for 30 years, but her true calling was being a mother and grandmother. Her children would argue that while she was a world-class mother, she was an even better grandmother-attending every event, hosting countless sleepovers, and always showing up with a helping hand or sharing a laugh.

She approached life with patience and an appreciation for the simple pleasures. She loved road trips while listening to Dolly Parton, Elvis, and Conway Twitty. Many evenings were spent with a pen in hand, solving puzzles, or offering a home-cooked meal made with love. In these small rituals, Dorothy found joy and shared it with those she loved.

The valedictorian of her class, Dorothy was both thoughtful and intelligent, with a mind as sharp as it was deliberate. She had a playful wit, used sparingly but always to great effect. Though modest, she knew how to say exactly what she meant and meant every word she said.

Now, she is reunited with her two best friends: her husband, AC, and her daughter, Angela, as well as the mother and grandmother who helped shape her into the loving woman we adored. I like to imagine her now beneath the shade of a tree offering her reassuring advice and quiet comfort to all who pass by.

Dorothy Louise Nelson, at 91½ years old, embodied compassion and grace. She leaves behind a legacy of love, cherished memories, and gentle encouragement. In our hearts, she remains as steady and as kind as the whispered words with which she always sent us forth: "I love you, Be sweet."

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, AC Nelson; her daughter, Angela Nelson; and her sister, Betty Sue Humphrey. She is survived by her brothers Rupert Cornahan and James Cornahan. She leaves behind her loving daughter, Sally Miller; her sons, Donnie Nelson and wife Ronda, and Johnny Paul Nelson and wife Dawn. She will be dearly missed by her grandchildren: Cori, Chad, Michael, Nicole, Donald, Brittany, Amanda, Andrew, and Abigail. She also leaves ten great-grandchildren who will forever hold her in their hearts.

Dorothy will be deeply missed, and her loving phrase "Be sweet." will continue to guide us always.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 10,2024, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM at Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel, 5750 Hwy 277 South, Abilene, Texas. Funeral service will be Wednesday, December 11,2024 at 11:00 AM at Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at Caps Cemetery.