Dawna Nelson

Dawna “GiGi” Del Nelson was born on October 24, 1950, in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, to Lyle A. Cherry and Pauline F. (Davis) Cherry. She passed away on September 30, 2025, in Norman, Oklahoma, at the age of 74.

Dawna grew up in Shawnee, Oklahoma, where she attended grade school before moving on to East Central University in Ada, where she worked towards earning her bachelor’s degree. After college, she lived in Norman for a time before spending a year in Tulsa, eventually returning to Norman where she made her home for the remainder of her life.

She devoted 29 years of her career to the University of Oklahoma, serving as a pre-med advisor and guiding countless students along their academic journeys. She was also a proud member of the Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity, cherishing the friendships she found there.

Dawna loved many things in life, but at the heart of it all was her family. She adored her three grandsons and found endless joy in watching them play sports, always laughing at their antics. Her perfect day would have been spent outside, reading a good book, visiting Galveston to walk the beach with her cousins, or listening to her favorite country music, especially songs by Vince Gill. Her favorite colors, lime green and turquoise, reflected her bright and lively spirit.

Those who knew Dawna learned from her how to put family first, to love unconditionally, and to greet every person as a friend. Even on difficult days, she carried herself with warmth and kindness, never letting the world see her struggles. She wished to be remembered as someone who loved her family with all her heart, and indeed, she was.

She is survived by her children, Chris Nelson and his wife Stacy of Pratt, Kansas, and Amanda Nelson-Carter and her husband Michael of Norman; her beloved grandsons, Jude, Adler, and Kelton; and her three fur babies, Baker, Rocky, and Myles. She was preceded in death by her parents.

At Dawna’s request, no services are scheduled at this time.