Shari Ann Nelson

Shari Newby Nelson of Tyler, Texas passed away peacefully on September 2, 2025 at Trinity Mother Frances Hospital surrounded by her family.

Shari Newby was born near Hughes Springs, Texas on January 25, 1941 to the late Reubene and Geneva Newby. Growing up in Hughes Springs, she graduated from Hughes Springs High School in 1959 and later attended Texas Women’s College and North Texas State University.

Shari was a gifted and passionate teacher of English at Robert E Lee High School in Tyler. She brought literature alive for many students, creatively transporting them to new places and times as they studied the classics. She also founded and coordinated the mentor program at Lee which allowed students to learn on-site from professionals in the community.

Outside of work, Shari found joy in traveling, especially relishing her trips to Italy, Austria and Ireland. When at home, she enjoyed reading novels and painting with oils. She was a life-long learner, always seeking new skills and experiences.

Shari is survived by her loving husband, Jerry Nelson. They met in the third grade, began dating in the eighth grade, and were married for over 65 years. Shari is also survived by her children, Scott Nelson and wife Susan, and Neisha Nelson Hootman and husband Joe; and her grandchildren, Shea Nelson, Stefanie Moffett, Samantha Smith, Samuel Hootman, Susannah Hootman Trunick, Sarah Hootman, and Sophia Hootman. She is preceded in death by her parents.

A funeral service will be held at the Nelson & Company Cemetery on Saturday, September 6 at 10am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to East Texas Food Bank in Shari Nelson’s memory. Her services are under the direction and care of Horn Family Funeral Home