Nelson, Julia Ann (nee McCoy), passed away, Saturday, January 17, 2026 at the age of 65.

Beloved wife of 47 years of Virgil E. Nelson; loving mother of Angela (Chris) Winkler and Vanessa (Kevin) Gallas; dear grandmother of Haylee Chicon, Charles Winkler, Lilian Winkler, Henry Winkler, Everly Gallas, Presley Gallas and Elijah Gallas; great-grandmother of Evelyn Chicon, Hudson Chicon and Josephine Chicon; sister of David (LaVon) McCoy, Sarah McCoy, Paul (Amanda) McCoy and the late Carla McMillen; loving aunt, sister-in-law, cousin and friend to many.

Life was not always easy for Julia. The struggles she endured early on, shaped her into the beautiful woman she became, carving out a legacy to be treasured by friends and family for a lifetime.

Julia married her high school sweetheart, the love of her life, Virgil, in 1978 and spent the next 47 years loving the family they created together with every fiber of her being. The love she possessed was so great it spilled over in every aspect of her life. This love taught us family is family, no in-laws, no steps, no halves, just family. She knew no stranger, with her giving spirit leaving a mark on so many in this world.

Her family admired her determination. Her multi-talented, self-taught skill set knew no bounds. Her creativity was unmatched. Once her heart was set on something, she would see it to fruition.

Julia was the most amazing mother, despite not having a mother until she married. She held no formal training and yet her love for the arts was one to be reckoned with. Her ability to draw, paint and decorate was unsurpassed. She was a self-taught pianist and had the voice of an angel, leading worship for years at Living Bread Fellowship.

God was always at the forefront of her life. She was careful to always honor God and spent all her motherhood years, raising up her children in the way they should go. She carried this responsibility even as her children entered adulthood. Always there for wisdom and guidance. Her bible marked cover to cover with sermon notes both from her husband and Pastor Jeff.

In addition to her love and drive, Julia was fun. Throughout her years, she played co-ed softball with her husband, took amazing vacations with her family, and always left life more beautiful than she found it. The family bond she has woven together through the years will withstand any storm. We will be forever grateful for the time God shared her with us.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

Services:   Funeral service at the St. Louis Family Church, 17486 Chesterfield Airport Road, Chesterfield, Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.  Interment at Sunset Memorial Park.  Visitation at the SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, 14960 Manchester Road at Holloway, Ballwin, Monday, January 26, 2026 from 4 until 8 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Louis Family Church .  Friends may sign the family's on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.