Jennie Nelson

Jennie Erline (Knight) Nelson was born on May 3, 1931 to George Henry Knight and Jennie E. Brink in Waco, Texas. She was one of 10 children. Erline died unexpectedly on January 11, 2021 at the age of 89. A memorial service will be held over Zoom on January 23. Contact family for information.

Erline attended school in Speegleville. She loved basketball, and her small stature made her quick with the ball. She enjoyed reading, but especially loved sharing what she had learned from the Bible with others. Erline loved life and never met a stranger. Erline was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on October 10, 1948. She took her dedication to her Heavenly Father seriously and spent many years witnessing to others about God’s Kingdom.

Erline married Pat Shropshire on November 14, 1954 in a double wedding with her brother, Robert Knight and his wife June. She and Pat spent 25 years traveling around the United States visiting and encouraging congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses. She loved telling stories of their travels and of the many friends they made along the way. After Pat became ill she cared for him a number of years until his death.

In 2001, Erline got reacquainted with Preston Nelson of McGregor. He had lost his wife as well and they discovered they had much in common. They married on October 20, 2001. They enjoyed going to antique shops together and camping at the lake. Salado and Fredericksburg were two of their favorite places. Erline especially enjoyed being called Granny by Preston’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They brought a special joy to her life and were just like her own. Erline loved all of her siblings and, when she moved back to the Waco area, she visited with them as often as she could.

Erline is preceded in death by her parents, brother WT Knight, and sisters Laverne Teague, Nancy Lowrie, Lorine Walker, and Elsie Norris.

Erline is survived by her husband, Preston. She is also survived by brothers George Knight, Lester Knight, and Robert (June) Knight; one sister, Lanelle (Calvin) Lumpkin. Two step-children, Pam (Jondre) Chandler, and Mike (Robin) Nelson; two step-grandchildren, Heather (Wesley) Tom, and Jared (Jacky) Chandler; two step-great-grandsons, Kyle and Bradley Tom; and many nieces and nephews.