Eyvonne E. Nelson

After the long goodbye…Eyvonne E. Nelson, 86, of Geneseo, formerly of Atkinson, was granted her heavenly wings on February 11, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.  Cremation Rites have been accorded, and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.  Vandemore Funeral Home – Geneseo Chapel will be assisting the family with arrangements.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Atkinson Fire and Rescue and Rebuilding Together.

Eyvonne was born May 11, 1939, the daughter of Narvell and Ollie (Matheny) Dickey, in Cord, Arkansas, where she was raised until her family moved to Cambridge, Illinois.  That is where she met the love of her life, John “Bill” Nelson.  They married on June 5, 1955, and recently celebrated seventy years together.  She worked as a bookkeeper at High Quality Ford, until her retirement.  Her greatest joy and proudest moments were spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Eyvonne loved reading, baking, tending to her flower garden, watching birds, and traveling.

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, John “Bill” Nelson; children, Robert (Ellen) Nelson of Geneseo, Lisa (Mitch) Gentry of Atkinson, and Ulanda (Al) Gartin of Geneseo; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Krista and Joel Neave – Cora, Ember, and Mila of Sheboygan, Wisconsin, Katie and Nick Shreffler – Madison and T.J of Bloomington, Illinois, Logan and Kaleena Gentry – Meyers and Sloane of Payson, Illinois, Shawn and Gentry Hall of Reynolds, Illinois, Riley and Randi Reeves – Camden and Parker of Geneseo, Illinois, Taylan and Justin Blaser – Bentley, Woodsyn, and another baby on the way, of Geneseo, Illinois; brothers and sisters, Dwayne, Gayle, Annette, and Jim; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Narvell and Ollie Dickey; granddaughter, Lauren A. Hall; brother, Lavern; stepfather, George Halcom; and multiple in-laws.