Lezell Hall Nelson

Lezell Hall Nelson, 85, formerly of Marianna, passed away Thursday, March 6, 2025.  Zell was born in Malone, Florida to J.T. and Louise Hall on December 22, 1939, with her twin sister. She grew up one of six children on a farm, caring for the animals, helping with harvest, and sharing the family dinner with the local preacher on Sunday afternoons. She married and moved to Arizona with her husband. In Tucson she found that she loved the desert, she was good at being a realtor helping others find their home, and she preferred the more professional and grown-up name of Liz.

Years after she went through the heartbreaking experience of a stillborn son, her love of children and desire to be a mom was still great, leading her to open her home to children in need as a foster parent. Over a period of fifteen years Liz was a safe port in the storm for over 25 children in Tucson, Arizona. She was recognized for her dedication in a newspaper article in 1999 of the Arizona Star for her efforts-but more than that, she was loved and appreciated by those children she loved and claimed as her own, even if they were only with her for a short time.

While she loved living in Arizona, family was important to Liz; when she got the call that her parents were in need of full-time care she left Arizona and moved back to her childhood home to support them as they had for her. Zell served as the primary caregiver for both of her parents until her father passed in 2007. She continued as the primary caregiver for her mother for another four years until she passed in 2011. Choosing to stay closer to family, Zell moved in with her twin sister and brother-in-law.

Living with them, her name and place in the family became intertwined with theirs. Zell became an honorary parent, grandparent, and great-grandparent of her nieces and nephews. She was unfailingly honest and caring. She made no apologies for saying her opinion while also telling you she was running a load of laundry and to bring your clothes to be washed.

Zell lived a full life and touched the hearts and lives of those around her. She was preceded in death by her son, David Douglas Hicks; her parents, J.T. and Louise Hall; her brother, Robert Hall; her sisters, Faye Croom, Debbie Slay and Cleo Hall, and a nephew. 

She is survived by her twin; Nell Fontaine of Huntsville, AL; her brother, Sonny Hall of Malone, FL; three nieces and nephews; seven great-nieces and nephews; and four great-great nieces and nephews.

Graveside funeral service will be Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Pinecrest Memorial Gardens with James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel directing.

Viewing will be from 11:30 - 1:30 PM, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel.