Leola Nelson

Leola Hill Nelson
October 25, 1923 – September 19, 2008

Leola Hill Nelson, 84, of Waco, passed away peaceably on Friday, September 19, 2008 at St. Catherine's after a courageous battle with colon cancer.

Services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at the First United Methodist Church of Waco with the Rev. Wayne Williams and the Rev. Stephen Ramsdell officiating.

Graveside services with military honors will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Central Texas Veterans Cemetery in Killeen. Visitation will be 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Monday at OakCrest Funeral Home, 4520 Bosque Blvd.

Leola Hill Nelson was born October 25, 1923, the daughter of true pioneers, Henry Garland and Sallie Mae Hill, who arrived by covered wagon in the Texas panhandle in 1907 and established Turkey, Texas where they farmed and ranched. Lee was born in Turkey and attended schools in the area.

On her 21st birthday, Lee joined the U.S. Navy's WAVES where she proudly served her country during World War II, while stationed in Utah. She later moved to Dallas where she worked for the Veterans Administration office and hospital.

Lee and her husband of 58 years, William E. Nelson, have lived in Waco since 1964. They have been active members of First United Methodist Church where Lee taught vacation bible school, assisted with Angel Tree, was a Stephen Minister and was active in many church activities and an avid volunteer.

While in her 60s, Lee realized her two dreams -- to be a writer and a teacher. She has been published in more than 200 publications, including the Waco Tribune Herald and the Dallas Morning News; and her story was read by Paul Harvey during his broadcast. Most of her stories focused on a simpler time during her childhood while growing up in the Texas panhandle and her experiences while serving in the Navy. She also wrote devotionals and children activity stories. Her writing was both enlightening and humorous.

For six years, Lee was a tutor for the Waco Center for Youth where through reading she opened the eyes of many young people to a world they had never experienced. Her volunteer work at the WCY brought much joy to her. She was presented the Star Award by the WCY for her dedicated service.

In May 2007, the Texas State Senate honored Lee and a group of other women for their military service during World War II.

She is predeceased by her parents; a son, Scott Nelson; and two brothers, W. W. Hill (Bud) and Otis Hill.

Along with her husband, Lee is also survived by her two daughters, Sally McGowan and husband, Bobby and Connie Pothier and husband, Tom; and her grandchildren, Jason Smith, Whitney Smith-Nelson, Sarah McGowan, Sean McGowan, Stephanie Miller, Kelci Carter and Kaitlin Carter. She is also survived by her stepson, Bill Nelson; daughter-in-law, Kathy Nelson; sisters, Mildred Hill, Polly Cobb, and Gerry McCaffrey; brother, Herbert Hill, as well as a devoted multi-generation of nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the Waco Center for Youth Library Fund, 3501 N. 19th Street, Waco, TX 76708 or the First United Methodist's Meals on Wheels Program, Stephen's Ministry or the OMS in memory of Mrs. Nelson, 4901 Cobbs Drive, Waco, TX 76710.