Martha Nelson

Heaven got a bit more glamorous with the passing of Martha Ann Pretty Nelson on Monday, October 22, 2018.

She was born on March 27, 1942, to Mary and Lester Pretty in Batesville, Arkansas. Ann met her husband, Barry Nelson, on a blind date set up by Barry's mother. They ate Mexican food at Island X in the Heights in Little Rock, and he was hooked on both her and south of the border cuisine right then and there. Barry and Ann were married for almost fifty years.

Ann will be remembered as a hard worker, spending more than 35 years as a faithful and indispensable employee in the insurance department of Affiliated Foods. She was a member of the Unity Missionary Baptist Church, and her faith in God and in the power of prayer were central in her life.

She loved (and we mean LOVED) all things glamorous... fashion, jewelry, and makeup. She was the family diva in the best sense of that word, and no one can look at a rhinestone without thinking of her. She loved Elvis and Cadillacs and dogs. She loved her family. Like the rest of her people, she was a wonderful cook... loving to feed all those for whom she cared. Thanksgiving mashed potatoes were her specialty, and we'll just pretend we don't know that there was at least a pound of butter in them.

Ann is preceded in death by her parents: Mary and Lester Pretty, and brothers: Lester Pretty, Jr. and Tommy Pretty.

She is survived by her husband of forty-nine years, Barry Nelson; her sisters: Jane Greene, Sissy Pretty, and Barbara Kay Tucker; her brothers: David Pretty (Debbie) and James Pretty (Lora); seven nieces and nephews: Kevin Pretty, Chris Pretty, Joanie Foster, Jenny Greene, Brandye Prater, Josh Pretty, and Jake Pretty. She is also survived by her beloved four-legged baby, Issy.

A celebration of Ann's life will be held at Smith Family Funeral Home in North Little Rock on Wednesday, October 24 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to the American Heart Association or the Humane Society.