Frances Youvon Nelms

“What a day that will be, When my Jesus I shall see. And I look upon his face, The one who saved me by his grace; When he takes me by the hand, And leads me through the Promised Land, What a day, glorious day that will be.”

Frances Youvon Nelms experienced her glorious day on October 9, 2023, when she took the hand of her Savior and walked into that promised land.

Youvon was born in Detroit, Texas, in February 1940, to Raymon and Grady Hart. They later moved to Dallas, Texas, where Youvon graduated from South Oak Cliff High School and Draughon’s Business School.

During her high school years, Youvon worked with her family at Hart and Hart Lumber Company in the business office. Following graduation from business school, she worked for the Veteran’s Administration and the United States Postal Service in Dallas.

Youvon married Gordon Nelms in Dallas, Texas, on November 6, 1959. Youvon was a loving and devoted wife and faithful ministry partner with Gordon. Their formal ministry began at Gordon’s home church, Bible Way Church, in Detroit, Texas, from 1959-1961. Their ministry transitioned from Detroit to Dallas to serve at Boulevard Assembly of God. Boulevard Assembly later merged with Pleasant Grove Assembly of God. Gordon and Youvon served as Pastors until 1973. They then moved to Mt. Pleasant, Texas, to pastor First Assembly of God from 1973-1979. In 1980 they established and pastored The Lamb’s Fold Church until 2018 when they retired from public ministry as Youvon’s health began to decline.

During their 60+ years of Christian ministry, Youvon joyfully served by loving people and playing music. Youvon truly cherished so many dear friends she made throughout her lifetime from various churches, community functions, and her beloved quilting group. If she was not at church, visiting with a friend, helping at a function, managing Salvation Army Bell Ringers, or making a quilt, she was at the piano. She loved to play and sing her favorite worship songs during her quiet times at home. While she had no formal music training, she could play “by ear” and loved to play for anyone with a song to sing. Her DNA was “Hart,” so she came by this talent naturally. Left to cherish Youvon’s memory is her husband of 64 years, Gordon Nelms; her children: Steven & Sharon Nelms, Danny & Venetia Nelms, and Shandra van Reenen; grandchildren: Bethany & Michael Willcox, Bryson van Reenen, Riley van Reenen; great-grandchildren: David Willcox, Aiden Willcox, Greyson van Reenen, and Emeri Smith, as well as other extended family and friends.

Youvon was preceded in death by her parents: Raymon Lee Hart and Grady Freeze Hart; infant siblings: Fannie Jean Hart and Bobby Lee Hart; Uncles: Loman Hart, Melba Hart, Levoy Hart, Leo Hart, Leon Hart, Elmer Martin, Roscoe Nolan Freeze, and Abeline Freeze; and Aunts: Gladys Hart Clark, Sally Hart. Cora Doode Freeze, Mozell Freeze Cahill, Lucille Freeze Bailey, Irene Freeze Nailling.

A celebration of Youvon’s life will be held Saturday, November 4, 2023, First Baptist Church in Mt. Pleasant, Texas. Celebration of Life Service will begin at 1:00 PM From 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. Everyone is invited to Visit With The Family in the Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Youvon Nelms may be made to:

• CASA ~ https://casatcm.org/donate/

• Titus County Cares ~ https://tituscountycares. harnessgiving.org/donate/

• Salvation Army (Local Chapter) ~ Please write a check and in the Memo line please put “Memory of Youvon Nelms” and put your check in the Local Red Kettle Campaign … beginning soon.