Willetta Nelson

Willetta Faye Nelson was born February 21, 1962 in New Madrid, MO to the late Oscar Nelson Jr. and the late Laura Nelson (Bartlett). She was also preceded in death by her paternal grandparents Oscar Nelson and Virgie Nelson, maternal grandparents Louis Bartlett and Rosie Lee Bartlett and siblings, Maria Joyce Nelson, Alfonzo Nelson, Gwendolyn Nelson and Terry Nelson. Willetta accepted Christ as her Lord in Savior at an early age. She graduated from New Madrid County Central in 1981 and worked at New Madrid Living Center for 30 years and 6 months. Willetta transitioned to eternal peace on June 17th, 2025 at Mercy South Hospital in St. Louis, MO surrounded by her loved ones. She was 63 years old.

She leaves to cherish her memories: her lifelong partner Lonnie “Buck” Kellum of New Madrid, MO; their two sons Lee Anthony “BJ” (Tenisha) Nelson of New Madrid, MO and Lemonta Nelson (fiance’ Taylor) of Scott City, MO, three grandchildren Laila Nelson and Lathan Nelson of New Madrid, MO and Lauryn Nelson of Scott City, MO, siblings Jeanette (Greg) Hilyard and Frederick (Rena) Nelson of St. Louis, MO; Ivory (Justina) Nelson of Chicago, IL; Oscar (Louise) Nelson III of New Madrid, MO; and Darlene (Elext) Holmes of Columbia, SC along with a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, June 28, 2025 at 12:00 noon at New Madrid Baptist Church, located at 1240 Scott Street with Apostle Earl Grissom officiating. Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery in New Madrid. The repast for family and friends will be at the Knights of Columbus, located at 11 Villa Shopping Center in New Madrid immediately following the services. The Williams Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

The family of Ms. Willetta Nelson asks that if you are ordering flowers, please have them delivered to the church on the day of the service.