Anna Marie Nelson

Anna Marie Nelson, 73, of Lakeland, Florida, passed away on September 25, 2025, in Winter Haven. Born Anna Marie Sexton on July 20, 1952, in Pascola, Missouri, she moved with her family to Lakeland in 1958 and called it home for the rest of her life. In her younger years, Anna attended Lake Wire Church of Christ. She met Russell Nelson in Lakeland in 1971—introduced by his sister, Madeline—and they married in 1972 at a small church. After a few years renting various apartments, they settled into their own home in 1975. Though she left school early, Anna was proud to later complete her GED. In 2013, Anna and Russell separated, and she moved in with her son, Anthony, in Lakeland, where she lived until her passing. They remained married. Anna worked hard and cared deeply for others. She began in the citrus industry as a grapefruit sectionizer with Ben Hill Griffin, then chose a path of caregiving, becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant around 1985. She served in hospitals and nursing homes across the area until retiring on disability in 2002. She enjoyed life’s simple pleasures: Tuesday senior movie day, browsing thrift stores, holiday festivities (especially Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Halloween), visits with neighbors, and time with friends and family. Animals—particularly dogs—were constant companions; among the many she loved were Matthew (who survives her), and the late Suzy, Sunshine, and Tootsie. Young at heart, she still watched cartoons such as Scooby-Doo, Tom & Jerry, Bugs Bunny, and her favorite, Peanuts—especially Snoopy. She also enjoyed older shows like The Andy Griffith Show and Hallmark movies. Amusement parks always made her smile. Anna was one of eight children. She is survived by her husband, Russell; her son, Anthony; her sister, Mary; one grandchild; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother, Grace, and siblings Bill, Leon, Peggy, Rosie, Shirley, and Wesley. Her family remembers a “quiet helper” who did whatever she could for the people she loved. She wanted little beyond their happiness, and she always found a reason to smile or laugh. She owned dozens of Peanuts—especially Snoopy—shirts (plus socks, pajamas, and even Snoopy charms for her Crocs). She couldn’t pass up a sale on microwave popcorn and is survived by eight and a half boxes of Pop Secret. On trips to visit her sister, they would go to Kings Island, where she favored the gentler rides and often convinced Mary to join her on the children’s rides. She was happiest floating the Lazy River or being sprayed by people overhead with water guns on White Water Canyon. She loved and missed her mother dearly, and her family is grateful they can be together again. Services A memorial service will be held at Gentry-Morrison Funeral Homes – Southside Chapel on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 11 a.m. A reception will follow the memorial service, hosted by a family member at 1418 Hartsell Ave, Lakeland, FL 33803. Food will be provided, and all who wish to remember Anna are welcome.

Anna Marie Nelson

July 20, 1952 - September 25, 2025