Jonna Leigh Nelson

Jonna Leigh Nelson, 53, of Seymour, TX, passed away on December 9, 2023 at Seymour Hospital surrounded by her loved ones.

Jonna was born on February 24, 1970, to John Edd and Donnie Gay Nelson in Wichita Falls, Texas. From the moment she entered this world in a hospital elevator, she hit the ground running and never slowed down. She lived her life in a hurry, and we are thankful that she allowed the rest of us to tag along.

At the age of 17, Jonna set out on her first great adventure to Virginia. She spent some time working as a sea-doo salesman until she found her calling in the kitchen of The Gooseberry, where she learned how to cook, and she spent the rest of her life doing what she loved: bringing joy to others through great food. After Jonna returned to Seymour in 2001, she worked at a number of restaurants and could often be seen catering events around town. In 2013, she settled in at The Rusty Spur, where she worked alongside Cat, the love of her life.

Jonna, like her father, was a big kid at heart. She was the first to crack a joke, and her laughter was contagious. She was adored by her great-nieces and nephews, for whom she always had a treat prepared. She was a friend and confidante to many, but to none more so than her nieces. She was a night owl by nature and could be counted on for a cigarette and Red Bull therapy session at 2 am any day of the week. To know her was to love her.  Jonna was preceded in death by her father, John Edd Nelson and a niece, Toni Elliott.

She is survived by her life partner, Cat Beatty; her mother, Donnie Gay Nelson; one sister, Jennifer Nelson; one brother, Jim Nelson; 3 nieces, Teri Torrez and husband Mondo, Tomi Rose and husband Michael, and Nicole Harvey and husband Nikolas; 10 great-nieces and nephews, Trae, Avery, Payton, Taytum, Maya, Christopher, Ellis, Emory, Eila, and Eamon; and one great-great nephew, Kylen.

A celebration of life service will be held on Thursday, December 21st, at 3:00 pm at The Ice House in Seymour, TX under the direction of Archer Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that remembrances be made in the form of contributions to a charity of your choice.