Mary Ann "Cookie" Nelson

Mary Ann "Cookie" Nelson , 78 of Duncanville, went home to be with Jesus on May 28, 2026. Graveside services will be at the Gilgal Baptist Church cemetery, Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at 11 a.m. Brother Bart Latner will be officiating and Magnolia Chapel South will be directing.  

She was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Lou Hunt, her father, James Styes, her granddaughter, Anna Harbin and her daughter in law, Robin Nelson.  

Cookie leaves behind her husband of 62 years, Homer Leon "Skipper" Nelson Jr. Her three children: sons, Jeff Nelson ,Tony (Debbie) Nelson and daughter, Mary Beth Nelson. Her sister Betty (Carl) Walker and brother Johnny (Ann) Koster. Cookie was blessed to have thirteen grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind a wonderful large family of brother and sister-in-laws, nieces and nephews.  

Cookie was born in Bessemer, Alabama, May 11, 1948. She lived as a child in Fosters, Alabama and attended Tuscaloosa County High School. She acquired her unique name on those long bus rides to Fosters by handing out cookies to eat after school. Skipper and Cookie lived in the Robert Gooden trailer park before choosing to move a few miles down the road to the Gilgal Community in 1972. There they would build their family home and raise their children. In Cookie's early working career, she worked for PECO Foods and then moved to AIF where she was in management. While at AIF, Cookie was sent to Atlanta to learn how to start up their very first computer system. After AIF, Cookie's career took her to the radio station at The University of Alabama. On Saturday nights you could tune in to WUAL, where you could listen to your favorite Bluegrass sound. After numerous years with The University, she would choose to retire and enjoy the fruits of her labor.  

In the early 1970's, Skipper and Cookie would join Gilgal Baptist Church. Cookie served her Lord and Savior through her church in many different ways. Cookie and Mona Harris taught a children's Sunday School class for many years. There together they planted a seed for many children to grow up knowing Jesus. She remained a member of Gilgal until her passing.  

What we have learned from Cookie, is what Jesus has taught us from the beginning, and that is to love everyone that walks through your door of life.  

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Gilgal Baptist Children's Church fund.