In Memory

Alta Nelson

Alta Elizabeth Rowland Nelson, lovingly known as Beth, lived 77 years trusting and serving her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Beth was born on August 28, 1939 in Galveston, Texas to Alton and Alta Rowland. From a young age, Beth loved the performing arts and took many years of piano lessons and dance lessons with her sister, Joyce. As a teenager, that talent grew to involve theater performance. She was cast in numerous productions at the Galveston Little Theater in which her favorite leading role was Ginger in Time out for Ginger. During high school she continued performance as a member of the Triggerettes and was named ROTC sweetheart. Beth graduated from Ball High School, class of 1957. Beth attended North Texas State University and Baylor University where she was very involved in many social and service activities including serving as a Baylor homecoming princess. While at Baylor, she began dating a handsome Aggie who was also born on the island.

Beth married Fred Nelson on June 10, 1960 at 1st Baptist Church in Galveston, Texas. They moved to Houston and later Friendswood, Texas in 1966, where they raised their three children. Beth began her professional career as an assistant to Texas State Senator, A.R. "Babe" Schwartz. She then began work at NASA as an assistant to the physicians that oversaw the Apollo astronauts.

Throughout her life, God gave Beth a tremendous talent to teach young people. For 13 years she taught elementary grades at Broadway Baptist School and Easthaven Baptist School. She loved helping children learn to read and discover a love for learning. As a teacher, Beth integrated drama productions to enhance classroom learning. She wrote original scripts for numerous plays on historic and biblical characters that brought learning to life. Some of her most beloved productions were The United States Bicentennial, The Bible Come to Life and the telling of the Christmas Story, By the Animals. The Nelson Family joined First Baptist Church of Friendswood in 1966 and Beth was a founding member of Antioch Houston Community Church. In every church Beth attended throughout her life she used her teaching gift in Vacation Bible school, youth work, mission trips, Bible studies and Sunday school classes.

But the roles in life that she cherished most were wife, mother and grandmother.

Beth is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, Fred W. Nelson, who was by her side until her last breath, completing the last page of their beautiful love story. She is also survived by her sister, Joyce Elaine Marshall and husband Gene; children Nancy Stewart and husband Dave, Nona Landers and husband John, Fred R. Nelson and wife Becca; grandchildren Luke Landers and wife Emily, Lindsey Landers, Jillian Landers, Jana Landers, Jake Nelson, Noah Nelson, Lizzie Nelson, Jewel Nelson, Jonathan Nelson, Rob Stewart and wife Tracey, Bill Stewart and wife Lorna, Matt Stewart and wife Linnea; and 6 great grandchildren Ryan, Landon, Christian, Aubrey, Liam and Ashton Stewart. Beth also leaves behind numerous brother and sisters-in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins that she loved very dearly. Beth also cherished many friendships through the various seasons in her life, considering each one her "very best friend."

Beth's greatest legacy in this life is her persevering faith in Jesus Christ. As a 16-year-old girl, she attended a Youth Rally where she surrendered her life to follow Jesus and her life changed forever. She loved people with her whole heart and she devoted her life to understanding and living the truths of the Bible. Beth suffered physically for many years. Although hard pressed on every side, she was not crushed; she was perplexed, but was not in despair; she was struck down, but not destroyed. (2 Corinthians 4:8-9) Even when her body failed her, God never did. To her final days here on earth, she persevered as a prayer warrior and a bold evangelist to all she knew.

Beth received her ultimate healing from her heavenly Father in the early hours of January 17, 2017. Her family rejoices in the hope that because of the sacrifice of Christ, Beth is now standing before the throne of God hearing her Heavenly Father say, "Well done, my good and faithful servant."

Friends and family are invited to a celebration of Beth's life on earth and new life in heaven on Sunday, January 22, 2017 at 3pm at the First Baptist Church Friendswood, 111 East Heritage Drive, Friendswood Texas 77546.

In lieu of flowers, it was Beth's greatest desire that contributions would be made to "Enlarge the Tent" of Antioch Houston Community Church. Contributions can be made on their website at www.antiochhouston.com.

Condolences may be sent to the Nelson family in care of Jeter Memorial Funeral Home at www.jeterfuneralhome.com.







agape