Morehouse County Louisiana Archives Obituaries.....NELSON, RITA GREGORY February 20, 2026
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GINA BROWN http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00025.html#0006026 March 22, 2026, 7:53 am

LEGACY FEBRUARY  2026
RITA GREGORY NELSON

Rita Nelson was born December 24, 1947, in Bastrop, Louisiana, to Dovie White 
Gregory and George Elec Gregory. She passed away peacefully on the evening of 
February 20, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Rita was born the tenth of fourteen children and was raised in a godly home, 
grounded in faith and surrounded by a deep love for family, friends, and all 
those who touched her life. She carried these values throughout her life and 
shared them with everyone she encountered.

In high school, Rita met and later married the love of her life, Austin S. 
Nelson, Jr. Together they built a strong and loving family, established a 
business, formed lifelong friendships, and shared countless adventures. Rita 
lived a life devoted to others and was always the first to offer help whenever 
someone was in need.

Rita, often known as “Ms. Rita” by those who came in contact with her and “Nana” 
to her grandkids, was respected and loved by all who knew her. She was a 
teacher, homemaker, and a true jack of all trades. There was nothing she could 
not do or would not attempt to do as long as it did not involve a reptile. 

She was known for her kind heart, generosity, and unwavering love for her family 
and friends. Rita was also known as one of the best cooks, blessing many through 
her meals and hospitality. She loved the outdoors, shopping, gardening, boating, 
fishing, and hunting. She cherished her life, her family, and the many 
adventures she was fortunate to experience. 

Rita was preceded in death by her husband, Austin S. Nelson, Jr.; her parents, 
Dovie White Gregory and George Elec Gregory; her grandson, Brien Joseph Gibson; 
her sisters, Catherine Self, Charlene Hall, and Gloria Thurman; and her 
brothers, George Oliver Gregory, James “Rawhide” Gregory, Alfred “Tall Boy” 
Gregory, Robert Gregory, Ernest Gregory, L.D. Gregory, and Edward “ Hoss” 
Gregory. Her mother-in-law, Ida Tyson; her sister in laws; Billie Gregory, Diane 
Gregory, Johnnie Gregory her brother-in-law, Barney Hall, Dunnam Self, E. H. 
“Junior” Townsend Jr, and Milo Nelson Sr. 

She is survived by her loving children, Connie Marten, Nelda Nelson, and Rickey 
Nelson; her grandchildren, Bryce Nelson, Hannah Marten, Holly Brown (Josh), 
Hunter Hutchison, Kandice Mitchell, Kenneth Mitchell (Taylor), Rebekah Jackson 
(Ryan) and Rickey Nelson Jr. (Taylor); and her great-grandchildren, Annlee Jo 
Mitchell, Austyn Mitchell, Beckham Marten, Brayson Mitchell, Gray Hutchison, 
Heidi Brown, Hoyt Mitchell, Paisley Nelson, Riggs Jackson, Rory Jackson and 
Sarina Barnes.

She is also survived by her sisters, Brenda Riels and her husband Doug, and 
Virginia Ann Townsend; her brother, Louis Gregory and his wife Jerri; her 
sisters-in-law, Linda Gregory, Wanda Lauga and her husband Ray, and Betty 
Nelson; son-in law Kenny Mitchell; her special friend, Betty Martin; along with 
numerous extended family members and dear friends.

Special acknowledgment to those who assisted in her care the last years and days 
of her life including Connie Marten, Hannah Marten, Holly Brown, Josh Brown, 
Robbie Buss and Rocco Martucci. Her cat, Pepper that comforted her until the 
end. 

Rita’s love, kindness, and generous spirit will forever live on in the hearts of 
those who knew and loved her.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the 
faith.”2 Timothy 4:7

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