Sylvia Don Nelon (Nana), age 78, of Texarkana, Texas went to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, February 8, 2021, peacefully at her home surrounded by her loved ones.
Sylvia was born on May 9, 1942 in Little Rock, Arkansas to Athleen and Cledus Holland. Her childhood years were spent helping her grandparents on their farm in Damascus, AR. Her family later moved to Little Rock where she attended Central High School until it was ultimately closed down due to the riots surrounding the school during that time period. After her school closed, she began working at M.M. Cohn Department Store in the main office doing bookkeeping work for the next 10 years. Around this time is when she met her love and partner for life, Robert Nelon. Together they worked to begin their journey as the local franchise owners of the Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurants where she spent some of her time working in the main office, but then later decided to stay at home where she dedicated the rest of her life to her family by being a loyal and devoted wife, a wise and inspiring mother, and a sweet and loving nana.
Sylvia loved to spend her time reading the Bible, 3 different newspapers a day and anything about history. She loved to spend time in Destin, FL walking on the beach. She loved all animals and adored her dogs. She loved naps and anything sweet to eat. She loved traveling and laughing with her husband, shopping and talking with her daughter, and doting and spoiling her 2 granddaughters. She loved visiting with her close and dear friends over a cup of coffee. She loved God and was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Wake Village. She loved her Sunday School class and church family. Sylvia was kind and sweet, soft-spoken yet strong, elegant and classy, but most of all, she was a faithful and dutiful servant of the Lord.
She was proceeded in death by her beloved husband of 58 years, Robert Nelon; her parents, Cledus Holland and Athleen Taylor; and 2 brothers, Billy Don Holland and Sonny Holland.
She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Shari and Gregory Kemp, of Texarkana, Texas; 2 granddaughters, Holland and Addison Kemp; many loving cousins, family members, dear friends, and 1 very special caregiver, Rena Lumpkins.
The family will receive friends at Chapelwood Funeral Home on Saturday, February 13, 2021, from 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Funeral services will immediately follow in the chapel at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Scott Neathery officiating. Private entombment will follow at Chapelwood Mausoleum.
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