Nellie John “Winkle” Sisemore Massey, age 98, passed away peacefully in her sleep on December 4, 2025, in Ruston, Louisiana. Born on November 10, 1927, in Ansley, Louisiana, she was the daughter of Alsie and Thelma “Bicky” Sisemore.
As a little girl, Nellie’s daddy often carried her on his hip and told her she was as cute and tiny as a periwinkle flower, bestowing on her the nickname “Winkle,” which stayed with her for life.
Nellie developed a crush on the young man who delivered blocks of ice for the family’s new “ice box.” That delivery boy later became her husband, Vaughn Wilson Massey. After attending business school together in Monroe and welcoming their first child, David, they moved to Shreveport, Louisiana, where they built a life and added two more sons: Douglas and John.
After Vaughn’s passing in 1971, Nellie returned to her hometown of Clay to raise her two younger boys with the support of her close-knit family. During those years, she became known for her strength, independence, and fierce devotion to her children. She protected and loved her boys with her whole heart, shaping them through her resilience and steady presence.
Later in life, Nellie found a cherished companion and dear friend in Luther Hammons. Together, they enjoyed dancing at the Moose Lodge on Friday nights and traveling.
Nellie lived life on her own terms. She preferred things “her way”, which she often declared was simply the right way, and she was delighted in proving, even into her 90s, that she could do anything she set her mind to. She was especially proud the day she renewed her driver’s license at 96 years old. She continued driving herself to get her hair done every Friday and enjoyed being pampered at the spa well into her later years.
A beloved mother, sister, grandmother, and friend, Nellie lived a long and fulfilling life. Though she narrowly missed her goal of reaching 100, she left this world in the most peaceful way one could hope for, with grace, rest, and a life well lived.
Nellie is survived by her brother Wade Sisemore and wife Noni; her sons David Massey and wife Barbara, Douglas Massey and wife Valerie, and John Massey; her grandchildren Jeremy Massey, Andrea Dixon and husband Josh, Chelsea Parker and husband Jacob, John Massey, and Garrett Massey; and her great-grandchildren Tinsley Dixon and Jameson Dixon.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Vaughn Massey, her siblings Homer Sisemore, Nora Sisemore, and Myrtis Ruth (Sisemore) Peel, and her granddaughter, Shelby Massey.
She will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband, Vaughn, reunited at last.
Services will be held at 1:00 PM on Monday, December 8, 2025, at Kilpatrick Funeral Home Chapel in Ruston, LA, with interment following at Ansley Cemetery. A visitation will be held prior to the service from 12:00 to 1:00 PM at Kilpatrick Funeral Home.
