Shelita "Dut" Nelson

Celebrating the Life of
Shelita Bernadette Nelson
January 29, 1967-September 28, 2026

Psalm 23 The Lord is my shepherd: I shall not want. He maketh me lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside still waters. He restoreth my soul; he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name sake."

Shelita Bernadette Nelson, affectionately known as "Dut" danced her way to her Heavenly Father's Place on Thursday, September 28, 2026. Shelita was born on January 29, 1967, in St. James, LA to the late Gerald Joseph Villavaso and Gustavia Davis Charles Nelson.

She was known for her compassionate heart, resilience, quiet determination, wonderful sense of humor, and the way she made everyone feel welcomed. Family was always at the center of her life. She was the aunt most of her nieces turned to for advice, comfort and encouragement. Her presence on the porch and hearing her laughter made even difficult days feel lighter.

Her greatest pride was her family. She celebrated every milestone, remembered every birthday, and made sure the people she loved always felt supported. Her love was constant and unconditional.

She leaves to cherish her memories, her children: Ta'Kisha Nelson, Dominique Nelson, and Wade Nelson, Sr. Grandchildren: Jeremy Washington, Jaydon Nelson and Wade Nelson, Jr.

Siblings:Joseph Louis Nelson,Jr.,(Carrie), Mary Louise Nelson, Pearlet Nelson, Gloria Lee Jackson, Burnell Nelson(Katricia), Clyde Nelson, Lisa Hart (Roger), Shelia Nelson, JoAnn Nelson Laurent and Nicole Joseph. Goddaughter: D'Asia Phillips and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces,nephews, other family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Gerald Joseph Villavaso, and Gustavia Davis Charles Nelson. Maternal grandparents: Edward Charles, Sr. and Eva Davis Charles. Paternal grandparents: Mottress Lawrence Villavaso,Sr., and Mary Marie Morris Villavaso.

Sister: Hazel Nelson Rodrigue; Sister-in-law: Phyllis Nelson; Brother-in-laws: Stanley Rodrigue Sr., Willie Jackson, and Taj Laurent,Sr. Nephews: Marius Nelson, Jylin Nelson,
Jeremiah Nelson, Marvin and Brent Rodrigue, and Stanley Rodrigue, Jr.Nieces: Shentell Nelson and Kei'Lani Solomon.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October, 2026 at Mount Calvary Baptist Church 8103 Mount Calvary Street St. James, LA 70086. Visitation begins for_AM service to follow for 11AM. Reverend Charles Geason Officiant. Interment Mount Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery Burton Lane St. James, LA 70086.

The Nelson and Villavaso family extends our deepest gratitude to all who traveled near and far to join us in celebrating the life of Shelita Marie Nelson. We are truly thankful for every call, prayer, flowers, cards and kind gestures that has comforted us during the time of bereavement.

Final care and professional services entrusted to Treasures of Life Funeral Services, 315 E. Airline Hwy., Gramercy, La. 70052.

"When someone you love becomes a memory, that memory becomes a TREASURE"