Marlene Powell Nelson (Tulia)

It was on Monday, June 17, 2019, that Marlene Powell Nelson, 84, died peacefully and wenthome to be with the Lord. It hurt so much to lose her but there is comfort in knowing thepromise of John 11:25 “He who believes in me will live, even though he dies.” She was joyfullyreunited in heaven with so many loved ones who had passed away before her including herparents; husband, Don Nelson; sisters: Janise Powell, Evelyn Minor and Helen Powell; andbrother, Travis (Mike) Powell. She was born August 28, 1934 in her family’s Ralph, Alabama home, the daughter to the lateThomas Glenn and Gladys Leone (Burns) Powell. She was the fifth child born into this family ofseven children. They eventually moved to Texas in 1943 when Marlene was nine years old. Shegraduated from Abernathy High School in 1952. It was in this part of Texas where Marlenewould spend the rest of her life residing in farm communities of Abernathy, Floydada and Tuliawhere she made many dear lifelong friends. Marlene lived life to the fullest. She was a wonderful wife, mother, daughter, sister and friendto many. She worked many years as a bookkeeper at Oden Chevrolet in Floydada, ConsumerFuel Association in Abernathy and local cotton gins during the ginning seasons. She was alsoknown as Marty to many a friend. They would all agree Marty was a class act who dressed“To A T”… always so stylish. She prided herself in keeping a beautiful yard, garden and homewhich was always so welcoming and making it a gathering place for her many neighbors, friendsand family. Marlene was a wonderful cook, and her meals were so enjoyed by all of her familyas well as friends and neighbors; she loved taking meals to other families whenever she knew ofa need. She married the late Don A. Nelson September 26, 1978, and they shared a happy marriage for38 years prior to his death January 14, 2017. They resided in Tulia where Don farmed, ranched,had an aerial spraying service and they owned and operated Tulia Self Storage. Don loved tofly, and they enjoyed that together along with traveling with friends and family; many timesgoing to the horse races watching some of their own run and win. They were members of theFirst Baptist Church in Tulia where Marlene served on the Bereavement Committee. She was amember of the Progressive Study Club for many years where she also held various officerpositions. She loved her many years being on the Fun Gals Bowling Team and playing with herBridge Club. Marlene also served her community for a number of years as Swisher CountyElections Administrator. One of Marlene’s greatest joys in life came from her family. She dedicated her life to herchildren, grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will tell you she was the greatest Mimi inthe world. They all have so many cherished memories at Mimi’s having “Juicy Lucys” (Hol EdTole’s recipe), big cousin Easter egg hunts, Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings, sleepoversand many other happy times. The family will always cherish their annual summer vacations inRuidoso, New Mexico.Marlene is survived by six children, 13 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren: Terri and BillPearson of Happy, Texas and their children; Joli and Trey Johnson and children Rylee, Kenli andTryce; Laci and Clay Cameron and children Kale, Rayce and Tripp; Ty and Magen Pearson andchildren Sage and Christian; Karen and Tommy Brockway of Terrell, Texas and their childrenCali, Chloe and Matt and Alaina Brockway and children Jamie, Brooke and Evan; TammyShipman of Tulia, Texas; Gary and Carolyn Nelson of Channing, Texas and children Kayla andTory Fernandez, Blake and Trey; Donna and Gary Combs of Lubbock, Texas and children Krissyand Joe Heinrich and daughters Alexana and Lily and Jake and Kristy Combs and daughtersTayzlee and Tinlee; and Russell Nelson of Little River, Texas and children Melissa and JohnBarnes and Cory Nelson. Also surviving are two sisters, Joyce Polk and husband, Bobby, of Argyle, Texas and ShirleyYoung of Leavenworth, Washington; sister-in-law, Mildred Powell of Brewster, Washington; aswell as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and a host of friends. Friends and family are welcome to attend the graveside service that will be held Thursday, June 20, 2019, at 11:00 a.m. at Rose Hill Cemetery inTulia with a Memorial Service to follow at 1:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Tulia withRev. Charles Davenport and Dr. Rick Shaw, officiating. Services will be held under the direction of KornerstoneFuneral Directors of Tulia. Following the Memorial Service the family will receive friends at theFellowship Hall of First Baptist Church for a time of refreshments and sharing of memories. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Tulia, BSA Hospice ofThe Southwest, 5211 SW 9th Street, Suite 100, Amarillo, Texas 79106 or Country View Living,701 Butler Boulevard, Dimmitt, Texas 79027.