Sarah "Sally" Holmes Nelson

OZARK…Mrs. Sarah “Sally” Holmes Nelson, a resident of Ozark, passed away Wednesday afternoon, June 11, 2025, at her home. She was 104.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, June 17, 2025, in First United Methodist Church of Ozark with Reverend Dr. Jason Thrower and her son, Reverend Gene T. Nelson officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 A.M. Tuesday at the church. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Memory Gardens. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Nelson was a remarkable woman who lived a life full of love, dedication, and service. She was born in Taylor, Pennsylvania, to the late Robert T. Holmes and Edna L. Nyhart Holmes, she carried the values of hard work and kindness with her throughout her journey.

Her life took her to many places across the United States and even overseas while she stood proudly by her husband’s side during his service in the United States Army. Together, they embraced new experiences, built lasting friendships, and faced the challenges that come with military life. In 1974, they made Ozark their home, where they became cherished members of the community.

Mrs. Nelson had a strong work ethic, having been employed at Judy Bond in Ozark, and earlier in her career, she contributed to groundbreaking medical advancements while working at Peoria Lab, the facility responsible for manufacturing penicillin. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she was deeply involved in her faith and community. As a dedicated member and Past Worthy Matron of the Kolb Chapter #468, Order of the Eastern Star, a role she held three times, she guided and inspired many. She was also a proud member of the Daughter of the Nile of Montgomery and the Wiregrass Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, where she served as Adah. Her unwavering commitment to service extended to her beloved First United Methodist Church of Ozark, where she found joy in being a part of the John Wesley Sunday School Class.

Mrs. Nelson’s life was one of love and devotion. She shared wonderful memories with her late husband, Clarence Edward Nelson, Jr. (1SG, United States Army, Retired), and cherished her family. She was preceded in death by her son, Howard L. Nelson; daughter-in-law, Carolyn Beech Nelson; and sister, Lois DeWitt.

Surviving relatives include two sons, Robert E. Nelson (Becky), Phoenix, Arizona and Reverend Gene T. Nelson (Janis), Ozark; daughter-in-law, Vicki Nelson, Benton, Arkansas; eight grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren, and eighteen great-great-grandchildren; special friend and loving caregiver, Patricia Fryer.

Serving as active pallbearers will be Jarrett Brantley, Tracy Brantley, Cacey Christiansen, Wesley Lane, Jake Lawrence, David Mauldin, Dylan Mauldin, Robert Nelson, Jack Renfroe, and Mark Renfroe. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be members of Order of the Eastern Star, the John Wesley Sunday School Class of First United Methodist Church, and Evan Renfroe.