Nila Fern Phelps Nelson (Whitsell) || Obituary

Nila Fern Phelps Nelson (Whitsell), aged 81, passed away on June 22, 2024, in Paris, Texas. She was born on Nov. 19, 1942, in McKinney, Texas, to Leon and Pearlie Whitsell. Nila lived a life marked by love, compassion, and perseverance.

Nila graduated from Wylie High School in 1961 and was a cherished member of the American Cookie Cutter Club, reflecting her passion for creativity and baking. Her warm, vibrant spirit was evident in the joy she brought to family gatherings and the meticulous care she put into her culinary creations. Nila enjoyed spending her summers at the lake lot reading and crafting. She had a love for paper mache that she shared with many family members and friends.

Nila is preceded in death by her late husband, Steve Phelps; daughter, Tonya Eddleman; parents, Leon and Pearlie Whitsell; and brother, Glen Whitsell.

She is survived by her husband, Larry Nelson; daughter, LaGina Bednar; grandchildren, Anthony Bednar, Kristen Kollowa, Leslie Snyder, Wesley Eddleman, Gena Thomas, and Angela Bowyer; great-grandchildren, Gavin, Abigail, Adelin, Hunter, Emmett, and Lydia; brothers: Kenneth Whitsell and Calvin Whitsell and sister, LaVoyce Sims. Her life was enriched by many nieces, nephews, friends, and family members who will miss her dearly.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at Fry Gibbs Funeral Home, located at 730 Clarksville St, Paris, Texas. The funeral service will follow immediately at 2:00 pm. Nila will be laid to rest at Highland Cemetery in Deport, Texas. Pallbearers will be Anthony Bednar, Wesley Eddleman, Lenny Whitsell, David Whitsell, Greg Sims, and Dustin Thomas

The Fry and Gibbs Funeral Home in Paris, Texas, is assisting with the arrangements, ensuring that Nila’s family and friends can pay their respects and celebrate her life. Nila’s legacy of love, family, and friendship will be remembered fondly by all who knew her.