Janet Sue Nelson

Janet Sue Nelson, 71, Kokomo, passed away at 8 am on Thursday February 12, 2026, at her home surrounded by her family. She was born in Kokomo on January 18, 1955, to the late Robert L. and Rose M. (Purvis) Roach. 

Janet graduated from Kokomo High School and later earned her CDA, Child Development Associate. She worked for the YMCA Early Learning Center for 17 years before she retired in August of 2025. She was a member of Mercy Church, where she sang in the choir and served as a Sunday School teacher for 40 plus years. She loved doing crafts and was an avid reader and could often be found reading on her lunch break.  Above all Janet loved her family, especially her grandchildren.

Janet is survived by her daughter, Melissa (Mark) Markley of Kokomo, IN; daughter-in-law, Shanna Nelson of Bourbon, IN; brothers, Steven (Peggy) Roach of Derby, KS, and Mark A. Roach of Kokomo, IN; sister, Cassandra “Sandy” Smith of Kokomo, IN; 10 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, and 18 nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Joseph Anthony “Tony” Nelson; grandparents, Rev. Stanley and Irene Purvis.

A funeral service celebrating Janet’s life will take place at 11 am on Thursday February 19, 2026, at Mercy Church, 3435 W Sycamore St., Kokomo, with Rev. Bobby Carter officiating.  Burial will follow in Albright Cemetery. Friends may visit the family from 4 pm to 7 pm on Wednesday February 18, 2026, at the church. Memorial contributions may be made in Janet’s memory to the American Cancer Society, donate.cancer.org. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com. 
 

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