Ethel Louise Nelson, better known as Louise, 77, of Waldron, Arkansas went to dance with our Heavenly Father on Tuesday, September 1st, 2026. She was born on October 6, 1948 in Y City, Arkansas to Sherrill and Bertha (Davis) Phillips and was the oldest of 8 siblings. She was known to those who loved her as mom, Wheezy, and Granny.
Louise was known to dance anytime there was a tune and would sing one if there wasn’t one playing to dance to. She loved to play piano. She went to college, was a loving wife and mother, but her greatest joy in life was being a granny.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Sherrill and Bertha Phillips; sisters June Woodard and Mary Broussard; niece Ginger Johnston and great nephew Kason Dedmon.
She is survived by her loving husband of 56 years Jimmy Lynn Nelson; daughter Margie Newberry and husband, JD, of Waldron; son Jason Nelson and wife, Tonia, of Waldron; six grandchildren JaiLynn (Nathan), Cherish (Zach), Joseph, Joshua, Booger, and Megan (Clay); eight great grandchildren; sisters Gina (Junior) Newman, Sandy (Jerry) Latham, Brenda (Keith) Hayes, Betty Jo (Bailey) Phillips, and Shirley Mae Phillips; and many nieces and nephews who were all precious to her.
Louise’s visitation will be Thursday, September 3, 2026 from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm at Heritage Memorial Funeral Home where the family will receive friends.
Louise’s Celebration of Life will be held at Waldron Pentecostal Church of God on Friday, September 4, 2026 at 9:00 am with Konnor McKay and Trav May presiding. Burial to follow at the National Cemetery in Fort Smith at 1pm.
Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
