Sandra Sue (Parks) Nelson

Sandra Sue (Parks) Nelson, lovingly known as Sandy, of Austin, Texas, passed away peacefully at home on her 77th birthday, September 8, 2025. She was born on September 8, 1948, in Shreveport, Louisiana. Her parents later moved the family to Houston, Texas, where she lived until 1987. That year, she and her then-husband, Robert (Bob) Dolen, moved to Doddridge, Arkansas. In 2008, Sandy settled in Sargent, Texas, with her best friend, Charlotte (CJ), where she would meet her late husband, Jim Wesley Nelson. In 2014, Sandy and Jim moved to Austin to be closer to her daughter and granddaughter. Following Jim’s passing in 2016, Sandy remained in Austin, cherishing time with her daughter and granddaughter. She delighted in making memories, such as family dinners, celebrating holidays and birthdays, helping her granddaughter with school, gardening, and supporting them both in any way that she could. In her early years, Sandy studied accounting at community college, became a commission security officer, spent time as a legal secretary, and worked various other jobs to support herself and her daughter. After a miraculous healing from terminal cancer in 2000, she felt called to devote her life to ministry. She attended Christian Life School of Theology, earning a degree in Theology. In 2001, she received her exhorter’s license through Independent Assemblies, and in 2004, she was ordained as a Minister of the Gospel of Christ. She was later ordained through World Evangelism Fellowship in 2007, an achievement for which she was very proud. Sandy was known as an encourager, a gifted counselor, and a teacher of God’s word—offering wisdom and hope to both believers and those seeking Christ. She dedicated every day to her faith, studying Scripture and uplifting all who would listen to the love of Jesus. At the moment the Lord called her home, she was listening to His Word, as she did faithfully each day. “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” Sandy enjoyed listening to music, reminiscing about days gone by, staying connected with friends and family through social media, keeping up with current events, watching cooking shows, and, in later life, taking up painting. She especially treasured her time on the back porch, surrounded by nature, reading or listening to Scripture, and singing praises to the Lord. She was truly one of a kind—an extraordinary woman, a devoted servant of God, and a true friend to all who knew her. Sandy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jim Wesley Nelson; stepdaughter, Tammy Nelson; her parents, James Dail Parks and Mary Sue (Brackman); sister, Ruby Jane Parks; great-nephew, Isaac Parks; sister-in-law Charlotte Jan (CJ) Loper; and brother-in-law, Rodrick (Rod) Loper. She is survived by her daughter, Lalena Yvonne Kelly, and granddaughter, Allyannah Rain Corbitt of Austin, Texas; step-grandson, Destin Tuleya of The Woodlands, Texas; stepdaughters Brandy Lynn Halverson and husband Hans of Cypress, Texas, Tina Nelson of Dickinson, Texas, and Amanda Fryckland of Midway, Texas. She is also survived by her siblings: Charles Larry Parks and wife Donna of Livingston, Texas; Carol Ann Parks and husband Brad of Cypress, Texas; Patsy Jo Whatley and husband Dexter of Bivins, Texas; David Warner Parks and wife Jeanette of Doddridge, Arkansas; and Linda Horton of Greenville, Mississippi, her nieces and nephews, Dale Yerby, John Yerby, Amy Galloway, Mary Mills, Sheila Hunt, Charles Carlton, David Corley, Robert Corley, Bridgette Parks, Mary Gibbs, Katherine Coats, Michelle Joiner, and Melissa Dare, along with numerous great-nieces, great-nephews, and extended family members, each of whom she loved dearly. A celebration of Sandy’s life will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Macedonia Baptist Church, 23465 AR-237 in Doddridge, Arkansas, with graveside interment to follow. The family kindly welcomes flowers, plants, or the planting of a tree in Sandy's memory, as she dearly loved nature—her favorite flower was the gladiola. Monetary donations are also appreciated and will be directed toward a fund for her granddaughter's future education. https://givesendgo.com/For-Ally-Love-Grandma?utm_source=sharelink&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=For-Ally-Love-Grandma

Sandra Sue (Parks) Nelson

September 8, 1948 - September 8, 2025