Judy Ann Nelson, 79, of Jacksonville, passed away on Tuesday evening, September 2, 2025. A Funeral Ceremony will be conducted on Saturday afternoon, September 6, 2025, at Boren-Conner Funeral Home in Bullard to begin at noon. A viewing will begin at 11:00am prior to the service. Interment will be at Mixon Cemetery following the service. Vicar Devin Jackson will officiate the service.

Judy Ann Nelson, beloved sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 2, 2025, at the age of 79. She was born on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1946, in Waxahachie, Texas, to Vera Davis Nelson and Jesse Nelson.

Judy grew up in Waxahachie, Texas, on her family’s dairy farm alongside her sisters, Joan Nelson Ridgway and Linda Nelson Ellis. Childhood was filled with the joy of wide-open spaces, playing in creeks, caring for animals, and sharing laughter with their Uncle Bert, who lived with them and was always ready with a new adventure or mischief. Judy’s love for animals began in those early years, where she was known for her tender heart and tireless rescue efforts.

The family later moved during Judy’s high school years, living in Tennessee Colony and Rusk, Texas, before she graduated from Rusk High School. Eventually, the Nelsons made their home in Troup, Texas, where Judy spent most of her adult life.

A woman of creativity and talent, Judy enjoyed crafting in many forms. She crocheted, designed T-shirts, made beaded jewelry, and shared her artistry at craft fairs across East Texas. She also had a knack for construction, adding her own handmade touches to the family home in Troup, including building a large, covered back porch.

Judy’s career path was as diverse as her interests. She worked for years at the corporate offices of Bealls Department Stores before later becoming a rural mail carrier for the Bullard Post Office, retiring in the early 2000’s. In 2004, she moved in with her sister Linda, where she enjoyed a life surrounded by family, love, and assorted four legged friends.

Although Judy never had children of her own, she often said she was blessed with eight—her beloved nieces and nephews. Joan’s children—Kathy, Clint, Chris, Matt, and Mary—and Linda’s children—Michael, Holly, and Ben—were the lights of her life. She cherished her role as “Aunt Judy,” and later in life, “Aunt JuJu” as named by the great nieces and nephews, always present with love, laughter, and encouragement.

Judy will be remembered for her creativity, her resilience, her deep love for family, and her generous spirit. She lived fully, finding joy in simple pleasures, in crafting beauty with her hands, and in caring deeply for those she loved.

Judy is preceded in death by her parents and sister Joan and husband Billy Joe Ridgway, brother in law Louis Ellis and nephew Chris Ridgway.

She is survived by her sister Linda Nelson Ellis; her nieces and nephews Kathy and Alan Been, Clint and Jackie Ridgway, Matt and Toni Ridgway, Mary, Michael and Patty Ellis, Holly and Bryan McFarlin, and Ben Ellis; and a number of great-nieces and great-nephews.

In honor of Judy’s memory and her favorite treat, family and friends are invited to celebrate her life by enjoying a scoop of Blue Bell Dutch Chocolate ice cream.