Donnie Gay Nelson

Donnie Gay Nelson, 85, of Seymour, Texas, passed away on August 5, 2026, at Seymour Hospital.

Donnie Gay was born on December 31, 1940, to Herschel and Maddie Hardin in Seymour, Texas, but Vera, Texas was the place she called home. She was the only sister to three brothers, Larry, Wayland, and Mack, and as such she was the apple of her father’s eye. However, Donnie Gay was quick to let you know that her status as the only daughter didn’t keep her from working just as hard as her brothers out in the fields.

Donnie Gay graduated from Vera High School in 1959. While in school, she was active in sports and cheerleading, and she was chosen to be the Football Sweetheart during her senior year. She fondly recalled the senior class trip that was organized to visit Washington, D.C. and New York City. She cherished her time at Vera High School, and she truly enjoyed helping to keep the Vera Homecoming reunions running.

Donnie Gay married John Edd Nelson on December 19, 1964, and they celebrated 55 years of marriage before his passing in March of 2020. Together, they shared three children: Jennifer, Jonna, and Jim. They began their married life in Denton, Texas, where they both attended the University of North Texas for a time. Life steered them away from college, and they returned to Seymour where John Edd set up Nelson Farm Service (later known as Nelson Fertilizer) with his brother. Donnie Gay worked as a teller at the First National Bank for several years; she loved interacting with customers and had an eye for detail that made her perfect for the job. When she left her position at the bank, life sent her in yet another direction that would end up being a huge blessing. She began working as the secretary for Nelson Fertilizer and was able to spend her days working alongside her husband and other family members. She and John Edd were also business partners in Agape Tours, and they were able to create some incredible memories together as they traveled across the United States.

Donnie Gay selflessly served her family, church, and community in numerous ways throughout her life, but she most notably ministered to everyone she knew and loved through food. She kept her family well-fed with her signature chocolate pie and everyone’s favorite pimento cheese sandwiches. For many years, she dedicated her time and talents to the First Baptist Church of Seymour by serving on food committees, as well as acting in other positions within the church. She often helped organize fundraiser meals for various causes in the community, including events held to help kids attend Camp Sweeney, which was something she cared for deeply. Donnie Gay and John Edd were staples at Ag Day for many years where they were well-known for the breakfast feasts they prepared.

Donnie Gay was a loving mother to her children and an amazing Meme to her grand- and great-grandchildren. She never failed to provide a treat for any kid who walked to “Meme’s house” after school. Holidays were always filled with love, laughter, and enough food to feed an army.

She is preceded in death by her husband, John Edd Nelson; her daughter, Jonna Nelson; her granddaughter, Toni Elliott; her parents, Herschel and Maddie Hardin; and a brother, Darrel Hardin.

She is survived by her children, Jennifer Nelson and Jim Nelson, both of Seymour; three brothers, Larry Hardin of Holliday, Wayland and Wanda Hardin of Seymour, and Mack Hardin of Waco; three grandchildren, Teri and Armondo Torrez of Seymour, Tomi and Michael Rose of Seymour, and Nicole and Nikolas Harvey of Holliday; 13 great-grandchildren, Trae, Avery, Payton, Taytum, Aiden, Maya, Christopher, Ellis, Emory, Eila, Eamon, Emerson, and baby Rose; and one great-great-grandchild, Kylen.

Visitation will be held at Archer Funeral Home on Friday, August 7th, from 6-7 pm.

Graveside service will be held at the Masonic Cemetery on Saturday, August 8th, at 10 am., under the direction of Archer Funeral Home

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that remembrances be made in the form of contributions to a charity of your choice.