Laura "Granny" Nelson

Laura "Granny" Nelson, a beloved matriarch and cherished friend, passed peacefully on July 13, 2026, at the age of 79. Born on May 30, 1947, in Houston, Texas, Laura was the beloved daughter of Douglas Thayer and Margaret Lewis. Her life was a testament to love, resilience, and the unyielding spirit of family. Laura was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Gary Nelson; her parents, Douglas Thayer and Margaret Lewis; her dear brother, Marvin Thayer; and her beloved sister, Betty Light. The legacy of love and strength Laura leaves behind is vividly carried on by her surviving family: her daughters, Gay Purvis and her husband James, Wendy Giesey and her husband James; her son, Tobin Nelson and his wife Lisa; and her cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Laura's grandchildren, James Purvis and his wife Lexi, Natasha, Tony and her husband Joshua, Kenny McDonald and his wife Elisa, Cody Nelson and his wife Dacey, Jessy Sarica and her husband Stephen, Tyler Eslora and her husband Matthew, Brittany Carmelo and her husband Mason, and Racheal Giesey brought immense joy to her life. Her twelve great-grandchildren, James Purvis III, Haley Purvis, Brandon Tony, Lilah Tony, Dakota McDonald, Aaron McDonald, Eva McDonald, Cody Nelson Jr., Sophie Nelson, Sean Spears, Luke Radojits, and Henry Sarica, were her pride and joy, each holding a special place in her heart. Laura was a woman of deep faith and unwavering kindness. Her home was always open, her heart always full. A service to honor Laura's life will be held on July 25, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Pine Ridge Cemetery in Livingston, Texas. Family and friends are invited to gather at Tobin and Lisa's house, 2132 county road 3260, Colmesneil Texas 75938, to celebrate her life and the love she shared with all who knew her.