Obituary of Georgia Ann Nealson

Georgia Ann-Moody Nealson, died September 5, 2023, age 78, at Eastern Star Masonic Home in Boone, IA, with her daughter by her side listening to John Denver and Harry Nilsson. She was born February 22, 1945, at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City, IA, to loving parents, Howard and Wilma Nealson.

A memorial service will be held at the West Liberty Community Center on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at 3 pm, officiated by Rev. Diana Smith of the Unitarian Universalist Society followed by burial at North Prairie Cemetery. Supper will be served at the Community Center following burial. In honor of Georgia, everyone is encouraged to eat dessert first.

Georgia grew up on a farm north of West Liberty, IA, near North Prairie Cemetery, along with two older brothers, Gary and Dave. While at Eastern Star she often reminisced about fond memories of riding horses. Georgia graduated from West Liberty High School in 1963, married Terry Moody, and moved to Iowa City. They had two children: Tanya and Tony. She was a homemaker until she and Terry divorced. Georgia then attended Kirkwood Community College where she earned a degree in nursing. She was extremely proud of this accomplishment as a single mother and made very close lifelong friends. Her career as an R.N. included the UI Family Planning Clinic, Iowa Security Medical Facility, and Sedlacek Treatment Center. She later became permanently disabled and left the workforce.

Georgia lived in the house on Western Road until 2003 when she moved to a new home on Scott Boulevard. After a few years, she moved to be close to her son, Tony and his family—first in Topeka, KS, and later in Sioux Falls, SD. She then returned to eastern Iowa where she lived at East Side Village in Lone Tree and then Coralville Senior Residences until moving to Eastern Star in 2018.

Georgia had a vibrant personality and a fantastic sense of humor. She loved connecting with others—sending cards, letters, and photos; laughing, talking, and drinking coffee. Celebrations at her home with extended family and friends were a highlight for her—high school graduation parties, nursing school graduation, and the 1990 mortgage burning party, another exciting milestone.

Making the world a better place and lifelong learning were among Georgia’s passions. She was spirited and a fighter for good causes and what was right. Sources of inspiration included the UU Society, Lake Geneva in the summer, and Friends Meetings. She enjoyed collecting—clowns, owls, music, books, plants for her yard, and artwork. She surrounded herself with beauty. She also loved when she was able to travel to Colorado, Texas, Minnesota, and the east coast to be with friends or family. Major sources of joy included dancing—first at the Swisher dance hall and later during the disco era of the ‘70s. These pastimes, and most importantly, family and friends, brought special meaning to her life.

Georgia is survived by her daughter, Tanya Campbell and husband, Greg, of rural Dayton, IA; her son Tony Moody, of Madison, South Dakota; three grandchildren, Wil Moody serving with the 2-7 Calvary at Fort Hood; Gabriel Campbell attending Fort Lewis College, Durango, CO; Sophie Campbell (Gavin) attending Central College, Pella, IA; two nieces: Tami (Fran) and Jodi and their children, three nephews: Jay, Nathan (Kim) and Theron and their children; special cousins; and lifelong friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Howard in 1999, and Wilma in 2002; brothers Gary in 2022 and Dave in 2023; her parents-in-law, Ferrel Moody in 2002, and Virginia (Ginny) Moody in 2004, and two beloved pets, Molly and Alex.

Memorials may be designated to Eastern Star Masonic Home, 715 W. 3rd Street, Boone, IA 50036. Georgia lived her last five years at Eastern Star where she said it felt like home. Her family is grateful for the care the staff provided.