Waneta P. (Sharp) Nelson

Waneta P. Nelson, 104, of Auburn went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday,

December 2, 2025. Born June 4, 1921, in Auburn, she was the oldest child of Emmett and Erma Sharp.

She graduated from Auburn High School in 1939 and went to work in the office of Auburn, Cord, Duesenberg.

During WWII, she worked for the Office of Price Administration (OPA) at the courthouse. On June 3, 1945, she married Louis I. Nelson, a WWII veteran and former POW, and they were blessed with four children and 71 years together before his death on September 8, 2016. Waneta was a devoted wife and mother who was very proud of her career as a homemaker. She loved and nurtured her family right up until the time of her death.

She gave her life to the Lord as a young girl and was steadfast in her faith for over 90 years. She felt great compassion for people and was a true believer in the power of prayer, praying fervently and often for those who requested it. She was a member of the Church of Christ in Auburn, the Center Street Flower Club, and served as a Cub Scout Den Mother.  

Waneta was artistic and creative and excelled at interior decorating and floral design. Although she was homebound much of the last 10 years of her life and unable to enjoy her hobbies of sewing, gardening, and baking, she spent many hours writing encouraging cards to friends and family and designing beautiful floral arrangements for her home and the graves of her loved ones. Waneta never lost her sassy sense of humor, and she will be dearly missed.

She is survived by her son and faithful caregiver, Stephen Louis Nelson of Auburn, her daughter, Marianne (Joey) Neal of Blackstock, SC, three grandchildren, Gina Reese of Indianapolis, Matthew (Deana) Lockman of Prospect, KY, and Kate (Eric) Basti of Columbus, OH, 10 great-grandchildren, and a brother, Alvin Sharp.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by two daughters, Sally Lou Naylor and Anne Louise Nelson, a brother, Donald Sharp, and two sisters, Doris Strock and Sandra Sharp.

Services will be 2 p.m. Monday, December 8, 2025, at Feller and Clark Funeral Home, 1860 Center Street, Auburn, with Pastor James Pettit officiating. Burial will take place in Roselawn Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 1-2 p.m. Monday, prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to American Bible Society or Paralyzed Veterans of America in her honor. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Waneta P. (Sharp) Nelson, please visit our floral store.