SHARON LADELL NELSON

Sharon Nelson—beloved spouse, mother, sister, and friend—passed away peacefully on March 15 at a local hospital. Sharon was one of a kind. She became friends with everyone with her sense of humor—entertaining those around her, whether in a grocery line or quietly in the back row of the church. She knew how to make people laugh and make those around her feel special. Sharon spent her career helping others, whether teaching GED classes to street division employees so they could be promoted at the City of Fort Worth, teaching diversity to employees at DART, City of Dallas or Lockheed Martin, she entertained her classes and turned a ‘boring’ subject into a fun learning experience. 

Sharon loved the church and was a lifelong Episcopalian. She served in numerous ways at Trinity Episcopal Church, her beloved home parish where she was best known as one of the first two vergers ever to serve there. Sharon was serious about her role and felt deeply honored to assist the priests at the altar, often being teased about not smiling during the procession.

Sharon struggled in these past few years with the effects of dementia. This was particularly difficult for her when she could no longer drive her ‘Miss Daisy’ anywhere. It was her greatest joy to do things for the love of her life, Debbie. She was so proud of the life they lived and very grateful for the love they shared. 

Sharon was born in Houston, Texas and moved to Fort Worth when she was a very young child. She graduated from Arlington Heights High School, received her bachelor’s in political science from University of Texas Arlington in 1974, her master’s in political science in 1976, and an executive juris doctorate from Concord Law School. Needless to say, Sharon was a political junkie. She loved politics and worked on various campaigns throughout her life. Even in her dementia, she enjoyed watching the news. She fought for justice and fairness all her life. In her later years, she was a civil rights investigator and loved the ability to help employees who were unfairly treated. 

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, Hubert (Jack) & Reba Nelson, her beloved grandmother, Addie Bea DuBose (Maw) and two sisters, Eileen Nelson and Colleen Siggins. Survivors include her wife of 27 years, Debbie Clark; sons Matthew and Mark Williams; step children Philip and Meredith Clark; sister Kathleen Chester and family; and granddaughters, Braelyn Williams, Prudence and Adeline Clark, and her beloved dog, Boscoe.

Family and friends will gather from 5 to 7 pm Thursday, April 4, in the Great Room at the funeral home.  Her Funeral Service will be held at 10 am Saturday, April 6, at Trinity Episcopal Church, 3401 Bellaire Drive South. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Trinity Episcopal Church music scholarship fund are suggested.