Ann Gonzales Nelson

December 17, 1928-May 22, 2015

Ann Gonzales Nelson, loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend went to her eternal home on May 22, 2015 at the age of 86. She was born the middle daughter of Ella Mae (Wheyland) and Victor Armand Gonzales in Mobile, Alabama December 17, 1928. After graduation from Murphy High School she attended Randolph Macon College and the University of Alabama where she met the love of her life James Baldwin Nelson. Ann and Jim married in August 1948 beginning a long and happy life together. Shortly after graduating from "Bama" Jim's job transferred them in 1952 first to west Texas, where their 3 children were born, and then again in 1957, to San Antonio, where they planted roots permanently. Ann and Jim were avid "Roll Tide" fans and were instrumental in organizing the University of Alabama's Alumni Association in San Antonio.

Ann was a devoted, life-long Christian. As member of Alamo Heights Presbyterian and later First Presbyterian churches, she was active in Bible studies, Vacation Bible School, medical mission trips and serving the people of her community; she participated as a Circle member and leader, Deacon and Sunday School teacher. One of her greatest honors was serving as President of the Presbyterian Women at First Presbyterian.

She greatly enjoyed the fellowship, service and education of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, serving in numerous offices for her chapter including President. Hosting meetings and attending annual functions were a highlight on her calendar, and in recent years she was devoted to working with the House of Neighborly Service's Sus Hijas Sewing and Jewelry Program as well as the San Antonio Christian Dental Clinic.

Ann was a wonderful cook, a whiz at the sewing machine, and a green thumb in the garden; she loved doing needlework with her "Sip and Sew" lunch group, where she developed dear friendships lasting 30 years. She also shared her love of friends and needlework with the "Kappa Stitchers." She was a doting grandmother and loved treating her grandchildren to trips to Sea World, Fiesta Texas, Port Aransas, Gulf Shores, Colorado and vacations in Hunt, Texas after their summer camps.

Ann enjoyed many things including exercise from Jazzercise to Zumba, she stayed busy. After Jim's retirement they enjoyed taking cruises and traveling throughout the U.S. and abroad - meeting many new friends along the way.

Preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her sisters Jean Gonzales DeKeyser and Lee Gonzales Murphy and her brother-in-law Hylman Nelson, she is survived by her children, Catherine Nelson Sisk (Tony), James B. Nelson, Jr. (Carroll) and Rebecca Nelson. Nana was dearly loved and will be greatly missed, especially by her grandchildren: Jessica Sisk Faulks (Dan), Allison Sisk, Amanda Sisk, James Nelson III, Robert Nelson, Paul Warren, Whitney Warren and Ellan Warren and great-grandson Ashton Sisk. Also surviving her are numerous nieces and nephews, who shared a close relationship with their Aunt Ann.

The family would like to express its deep gratitude to the wonderful ladies who lovingly helped with her care for the last year - especially Peggy, Joyce, Virginia, Janice and Saida.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, May 28, 2015 at Porter Loring on McCullough Ave. from 5:30-7:30 PM.

A Service will be held on Friday, May 29th at 11 AM at First Presbyterian Church, with reception following.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites any who wish to do so, make contributions to "House of Neighborly Service," 407 N. Calaveras St., San Antonio, TX 78207 ATTN: Executive Director or the charity of their choice.