Obituary

Nellie Frances Kellis Crain

December 20, 1946 - April 2, 2024

Nellie Frances Kellis Crain, age 77 and of Bogalusa, Louisiana, went Home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, April 2, 2024. She was born to Dorman Kellis and Mary Lois Crockett on December 20, 1946 on Guantanamo Bay Naval Base in Cuba.

She is survived by her two children, Tana Crain Kimble (Jeff) and Gary Don Crain, II; three brothers, Kenny Kellis (Julie), David Kellis (Sarah), and Lucky Crockett. She is also survived by a brother-in-law, Ronnie Crain (Lydia), three grandchildren, Colby Harris (Stephen), Caleb Kimble (Ami), Korbyn Crain; one great grandchild, Olivia Kate Harris; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Gary Don Crain, Sr.; her parents, Dorman Kellis and Mary Lois and Clyde Crockett.

Nellie enjoyed spending her retired years traveling and meeting new people with her husband, Gary Don, while selling their crafts at local arts and crafts festivals across the Southeast. For the last 19 years, she shared her love of gardening, plants, and meeting new people through her time working at McMillan’s Nursery. Nellie never really met a stranger. She was known to most, whether family or friend as “Aunt Nellie”, but, her most precious title was “Nana”. She enjoyed nothing more than spending her time cooking and caring for her family.

Nellie accepted Jesus’ salvation at a young age. She spent many years teaching children’s Sunday School at Memorial Baptist Church and later at Westside Emmanuel Baptist Church. She adored children and loved to share the Gospel and her love for Jesus with them. 

Funeral services will be held at Poole Ritchie Funeral Home (216 Alabama Avenue, Bogalusa, LA, 70427) on Friday, April 5, 2024 at 2:00 pm. Burial will follow in Ponemah Cemetery. The family will receive friends and have visitation on Thursday evening from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm and on Friday morning from 10:00 am until services at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.pooleritchiefuneralhome.com