January 5, 1971-Dec. 31, 2021 — Lisa won victory over death after battling pancreatic cancer for almost 2 ½ years and has gone home to be with her Lord.

She was a 1989 graduate of Isle of Wight Academy and held two degrees from her beloved Virginia Tech. She also had a master’s degree in counseling from University of the Southwest. She worked for Newport News Public Schools for 25 years, dedicating her life to her career in technical education and to her students. Her students were her “babies.” She also had close bonds with a number of her fellow co-workers, especially Kim Grant, whom she considered her right hand at Warwick High School. She enjoyed crafting with a certain group of friends.

She was a member of Mill Swamp Baptist Church, where she took active roles in different areas of ministry. She loved planning events for the Women’s Enrichment Ministry. Her pastor, a good friend, and his wife, were very supportive during this time of illness, as well as the whole church with their prayers. She and Douglas developed strong ties with a number of couples in the church who have been her lifesavers during this time by visiting, bringing food, phone calls and constantly praying. There were also longtime friends and couples outside of church who ministered to them.

She will be greatly missed by those who survived her: her lifelong love, Douglas Jones; her mother, Sandra Nelson, who took care of her during her illness; her daddy, Gordon Nelson, who always had something to say to make her laugh and smile no matter how bad she felt; her brother, Tommy Nelson, who bonded closer during the last few years, Melanie, his wife, and their children, Caroline and Evan, whom she loved to take on daily trips to do fun things during summer months before she became ill; her father-in-law, Wayne Jones; and brother-in-law, Mark (Crystal). She also leaves behind with many fond memories her aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, and cousins. She was always thinking of others and what would make them happy. Remember her with a smile on your face and know that she is finally with her Lord and Savior.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Mill Swamp Baptist Church, 6329 Mill Swamp Road, Ivor, VA 23866, for restoration of the stained-glass windows. Services will be held Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022, at Mill Swamp Baptist Church. Viewing will be at 10 a.m., a celebration of her life at 11 a.m., and end with a graveside service. Lunch and visitation will be afterwards in the Family Life Center for all her family and friends. If you wish to bring food, please bring it to the church on Saturday, instead of to the house, so all can be fed. The family will be receiving friends at Gordon and Sandra Nelson’s home, 13594 Rattlesnake Trail, Ivor, VA 23866. Online condolences may be registered at www.littlesfuneralhome.com.