With hearts full of both sorrow and gratitude, we announce the passing of Clara Faye Nelson, 63, of Reynolds, who left this world peacefully at her home on Sunday, July 13, 2025.

A celebration of Faye’s life will be held on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. at Bethel Congregational Methodist Church. Friends and loved ones are invited to visit with the family from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. at the church. She will be laid to rest at Hillcrest Cemetery following the service.

Faye was the very definition of kindness, always offering a warm smile and a helping hand to anyone in need. She lived her life with grace, quiet strength, and a heart that overflowed with love. Her faith was her foundation, and over the years she was a cherished member of First Baptist Church of Reynolds and later Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church, where her gentle spirit continued to shine.

For 27 years, Faye was the heart and soul of the Ft. Wayne/Cotton Gin Café. Whether you stopped in for a meal or just a friendly conversation, Faye made sure you left feeling like family. In her most recent years at Flint Energies, she carried on that same spirit of care, always putting others first and making lasting connections wherever she went.

Faye’s greatest joy was her family. She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Cecil and Thelma McInvale; her brothers, Ronnie and Alfred McInvale; and her sister, Linda McInvale, whom she now rejoins in eternal peace.

Left to cherish her memory are her devoted husband of 35 years, Randy Nelson of Reynolds; her beloved children, Colby Nelson (Mandy) and Jessica Carroll (Joe), both of Reynolds; her brother, Wayne McInvale (Deana) of Reynolds; her sister, Dorothy McInvale Trawick of Perry; and her treasured grandchildren, McKinlee Lowell, Lawson Carroll, and Elizabeth Nelson who were the absolute light of her life. Faye also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and countless friends who were blessed to know her love.

Faye found beauty in life’s simple moments—gardening, laughing with family, and making those around her feel special. In honor of her love for nature, the family will be creating a memory garden at her home. For those who wish to honor her memory, plants may be given to help this garden grow in her spirit.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.mcleightonfuneralservice.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to McLeighton Funeral Service of Reynolds.

More than anything, Faye will be remembered for the way she loved—with her whole heart, unconditionally and endlessly. Although she may no longer be with us in person, her words will forever echo in the hearts of those she loved most:
“I love you the mostest.”