Lucille Naomi Deeds Nelson

Lucille Naomi (Dowell) Deeds Nelson was born June 28, 1913 in Mulhall, Oklahoma to Grover and Laura Dowell. Her family moved to the Pritchett area when she was one year old. She came out in a covered wagon. She was one of 11 other brothers, 1 sister, and one set of twins who died as infants. She went to Sunnydale and Prairie View Schools. When she was in the 8th grade her family moved back to Oklahoma; there she graduated from high school in Mulhall, Oklahoma. Lucille moved with her family to Baca County where she met and married Guy Deeds, Sr. on December 22, 1931. They were married 58 years before Guy preceded her in death on September 30, 1989. Guy and Lucille had two children, Guy Deeds, Jr, and Sherry Deeds. Lucille and Guy moved alot during the early years of their marriage but eventually settled at Prichett; there Guy farmed and ranched until he retired in 1977. She taught Bible school and Sunday school in the Pritchett church for years. She is also known for her huge Halloween parties in Pritchett, organizing children to rake leaves for charity, collecting money for UNICEF, having a huge bonfire and a weenie roast. The UNICEF tradition is still carried on today at the Springfield United Methodist Church. Lucille always made pink blankets whenever a grandchild was expected, thinking and hoping that the family would be blessed with a girl, but being blessed with 6 grandsons instead. But it is said, the pink blankets were still used, at least in the homes. On Sundays she would, of course, fix huge meals of fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy and Waldorf salad for all the Deeds and Dowell's. Lucille married Curtis Nelson on April 23, 1992. The couple lived in Springfield and enjoyed attending the Senior Citizen dances and other activites. Curtis died in 1995. Due to failing health Lucille moved into the Long Term Care Center in Springfield, on November 28th, 2000 and resided there for nine and a half years. She is survived by her children, Guy Deeds, Jr. and his wife Val; Sherry Deeds Keffeler Terry and husband Hal. Also surviving are five grandsons and their families; grandsons, Rick Deeds (Laura), Ron (Carla) Deeds, Bret (Joan)Keffeler, Craig (Lisa) Keffeler, and Scott Keffeler; 11 great-grandchildren, and 7 great- great-grandchilren. Also surviving are brothers, Art Dowell, Sr. of Springfield, and Jack Dowell and his wife Sue of Oklahoma; and many, many friends. Lucille went home to The Lord, Saturday, April 24, 2010