Mrs. Willie M. Nelson

Wille Mae Harper Nelson was born on February 13, 1939, to the late Liss Harper Jr. and Mattie Harper. One of the greatest decisions of her life was accepting Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior.

On February 11, 1961, Willie Mae Harper was united in holy matrimony to Philemon Nelson Sr., son of the late U. L. Anderson and the late Florine Nelson. From this loving union, they raised three sons: Philemon Nelson Jr., David Leon Nelson, and Earnest Nelson Sr.

Willie Mae was a hardworking and devoted woman. Part of her work history included employment at a packaging company in Jones County, where she often shared interesting stories from her time there. She also worked as a housekeeper for families, caring for their homes and children while they worked. Later, she was employed at Central State Hospital in Milledgeville, Georgia, where she faithfully served until her retirement.

She was well known and dearly loved for her cooking. As her family, we can truly say we have never tasted anything better. None of us have mastered that ability yet—and most likely never will. Somebody ought to say, Amen.

On January 7, 2026, Willie Mae Nelson departed this earthly life and entered into eternal rest. Her devoted husband of 63 years, Philemon Nelson Sr., preceded her in death on January 26, 2025—just nineteen days shy of one full year. Now, they are once again together.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Liss Harper Jr. and Mattie Harper; her brothers and sisters, John Harper, Rosa Myles, Amos Harper Sr., Earnest Harper Jr., Ben Harper, Sam Harper, and Corrine Harper; her grandson, Philemon Nelson III; and her beloved husband, Philemon Nelson Sr.

Willie Mae Nelson leaves to cherish her precious memories her three sons: Philemon Nelson Jr. (Daisy), David Leon Nelson (fiancée, Eleanor Hamilton), and Earnest Nelson Sr. (Dawn); two sisters, Mary Dunston and Sarah Dickson; sisters-in-law, Juanita Harper and Earnest Harper Sr.; two granddaughters, Ramada Lashé Nelson and Shabanna Nicole Nelson; one grandson, Earnest Nelson Jr.; one son by marriage, Edward; and one daughter, LaToia. She also leaves five great-grandchildren: Aaliyah Brown Hall (Jeremiah), Mariyah Chanté Brown, Gabrielle Anaiyah Brown, Avary Neveah Brown, and Jayle Amir Brown, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Service entrusted to Dawson’s Mortuary ~ 98 Hopgood Street Warrenton, Georgia.

www.dawsonsmortuary.com

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