Nellie Riley Gustafson

Nellie Riley Gustafson, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and friend, made her way to heaven on September 22, 2019 just in time for the evening wine and cheese reception!  Upon her arrival on the other side, she was greeted by our Lord; her husband of 57 years, Rayford Breland Gustafson Jr, her mother, Janie Arlene McCraw Riley; and her father, Tommie Eldridge Riley.  She was 88.

Because of her faith, Nellie always knew “the best was yet to come.”  But that didn’t mean she was content to let this life go by in a simple, quiet manner-quite the contrary.  Nellie stayed busy in her life and in her community.  Nellie was a charter and active member of the Waynesboro Presbyterian Church, a member of the DAR Chickasawhay Chapter, member of the Fortnightly Club, a Scouting den mother, and Chairperson of the Wayne County Republican Party.  In her spare time, she enjoyed reading the latest best-selling novel; completing the most challenging crossword puzzle; and beating someone’s socks off in bridge.  And let’s not forget the outfits!  If shopping wasn’t Nellie’s favorite past time, we aren’t sure what was.  

True to form, Nellie left detailed instructions for family to follow in the wake of her moving on:  Her four children, Rayford Breland Gustafson, III (Valerie Gustafson), Thomas Riley Gustafson (JoAnne Gustafson), Linda Gustafson Farrar (Steve Farrar), and Karl Richard Gustafson; five grandchildren; and three great grandchildren are to celebrate her mission here, which is now complete!  In her words, “low adherence to this instruction will not be tolerated!” 

Nellie’s family covets your thoughts and prayers, and thanks all of those who brightened and blessed Nellie’s journey in this life! To honor Nellie’s love for the community, her family asks that, in lieu of flowers, remembrances be sent to the Waynesboro Presbyterian Church or the Waynesboro Wayne County Library. 

Visitation for Nellie will be held from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, Wednesday, September 25, 2019 at Waynesboro Presbyterian Church, Waynesboro, MS.  Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, September 25, 2019 at Waynesboro Presbyterian Church with Allen Stanton officiating. Interment will be in Waynesboro Cemetery.