Joann Nelson entered the arms of her Savior on May 19, 2025 at Castlewoods Place, surrounded by the peace of knowing Jesus. Joann was born on June 25, 1940, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

She met and married Bob Nelson in 1960. She was a faithful wife for 62 years, and together they built a life centered on love, faith, and family. She deeply loved her five children, 12 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren, each of whom brought her immense joy and pride.

Joann was an artist by nature with a keen appreciation for beauty. She expressed her creativity through sewing and painting, and she collected art wherever she traveled. Her home reflected her eye for beauty and her joy in creating spaces filled with love and light.

She was deeply involved in her local church and always eager to serve where needed—organizing meals, decorating for events, offering a listening ear, and encouraging others in their walk with Christ. She lived out Jesus's call in Matthew 4:19: "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will send you out to fish for people." Joann followed Him with her whole heart, and through her quiet strength and daily obedience, she pointed many to the love of Christ.

In 2013, Joann was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Her strength to endure the early, middle, and late stages of this devastating illness was a powerful testimony to the strength she carried her entire life. Even as her memory faded, her faith never did. She continued to radiate peace and dignity, leaving an indelible mark on everyone who walked with her through that valley.

She was preceded in death by Robert (Bob) Nelson and son, Danny Nelson. She is survived by her children: Bobbi (Nelson) Ford, John Nelson, Mark Nelson, and Carrie (Nelson) Watts; her grandchildren: Kristen (Nelson) Redd, Daniel Nelson, John Ford, Maci Ford Whyte, Will Ford, Taylor Gibson, Casey Chalk, Whitney Johnson, TJ Watts, Sam Watts, and Foster Watts, and her 13 great-grandchildren.

A celebration of Joann's life will be held at Wright and Ferguson, 114 Burney Dr., Flowood, MS 39323 on May 29th, 2025. Visitation will begin at 10am with a celebration of life service to follow at 11am. Wear a pop of purple in honor of her life.

In lieu of plants or flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to the Alzheimer's Association (ALZ.org) to help find a cure and bring hope to families walking a similar path. Joann's life was one of faith, love, beauty, and strength—may her legacy continue to shine in the hearts of all who knew her.