After a lengthy illness, Julia Dearing Nelson went to her heavenly home. She was born in El Dorado, Arkansas on May 12, 1925 to Milam and Geneva Dearing and died in Shreveport, Louisiana on August 6, 2018 at the age of 93. As a child, she grew up in Mooringsport, Louisiana with her parents, Milam and Geneva Dearing. She graduated from North Caddo High School and attended business school in Shreveport, Louisiana. Her employment began as a comptometer operator for Gulf Oil Corporation where she met Calvin Hardy Nelson her husband of 71 years. For 39 years they built multiple successful business endeavors together with him, the manager, and Julia, the bookkeeper. Upon retirement, Calvin and Julia enjoyed travelling to many destinations here and abroad.
Her family was the staple as she added more spice with her love of the arts. Her first love was china painting and ceramics where she created one of a kind plates and seasonal gifts. A dear friend and neighbor, Janet Owen, guided Julia's love for baking and cake decorating. She created confections to celebrate occasions for family and friends. From her youth, the needle and thread were the tools she endeared as she created keepsakes and heirlooms for family and friends. As a devoted mother, she created clothing for her children and costumes for various occasions. A lover of lace and fine fabrics, she honed her craft and added new skills while creating lifelong bonds with Jane, Jerry, Ginger, Marian, and Nanette. Needle and thread prevailed over all others as she made many stitches to dress grandchildren and others. We all watched as she amazed us with her detailed creations.
Julia was preceded in death by her husband, Calvin Hardy Nelson, her mother and father, Milam and Geneva Dearing, her brother, Billy Mack Dearing, her sister, Jane Roy, and granddaughter, Jennifer Williams Foster. She is survived by her children, Deborah Nelson Williams and husband Carl Milton Williams, Rodney Calvin Nelson and wife Darleen Hicks Nelson, her grandchildren, Darryll Calvin Williams, Ellen Seletea Jones and husband Jacques Jones, Alyse Dionne Groves and husband Brian Groves, Jeffrey Nelson, Denise Nelson Janz and husband Chris Janz, and six great grandchildren.
Graveside services for Julia are scheduled for 3 PM, Wednesday, August 8, 2018, at Hill Crest Memorial Funeral Home. Rev. Steve Riall will serve as officiant. The family welcomes friends to a visitation prior to the service from 2 PM to 3 PM at Hill Crest Memorial Funeral Home.
Mike McGee, Jeffrey Nelson, Chris Janz, Brian Groves, Jacques Jones and John McKendree will serve as pallbearers for Wednesday’s service.
The family would like to thank Dr. Richard Sipes, the nurses with Amedisys, and the Heritage Manor Stratmore team for their loving care and attention. A special thank you is given to the staff and administration at Montclair Park and The Chateaus at Montclair for their love and support during her lengthy illness. ln addition, many thanks are extended to Terry McDonald and Connie Williams for the many years of care and friendship given to Julia and the family.
Donations may be made to the donor's choice in lieu of flowers.
