Nelda Sullivan

Nelda Sullivan, 89, of Plainfield, IN passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 22, 2026. She was born February 27, 1936, in Russell County, Kentucky, a daughter of the late Avery and Bessie (Polston) Tiller. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Roy B. Sullivan, brothers, Marshall (Fredia), Russell (Joyce, living), James (Louise), Elvin (Mary), sisters, Ellon Tiller Phillips and Flonnie (J. D.) Melson, and their infant brother, Drewey.

Nelda is survived by four children, Carolyn (Monte) Archer of Mooresville, IN, Brenda Montgomery Powers of Plainfield, IN, Roy Mitchell (Latena) Sullivan of Greenwood, IN, Aneita (Walt) Lemke of Plainfield, IN; 11 grandchildren, Carl Kelle III, Lisa Cunningham, Ryan Montgomery, Jeffrey Broyles, Jeremy Broyles, Rebekah Rieser, Balla Broyles, Benjamin Montgomery, Miranda Griffith, Richie Lemke, Melissa Lemke, 20 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Nelda lived on a small farm in Belleville for over 40 years before moving to Plainfield in 2004. She was a strong, independent woman who, in addition to working the farm, was a proud cook for the Mill Creek School Corporation for many years when all meals were homemade.

Throughout the years, she had many roles: daughter, sister, wife, Mom, Granny (by far her favorite, saying, “If I’d known how much fun grandchildren were, I would have had them first.”) aunt, friend, employee, sister-in-law, mother-in-law, and Sister-in-Christ; possibly more.

Nelda met Jesus around 1960 at a little home church that was held in Sister Talbott’s home. As the congregation grew, she became a charter member of Bethel Church of the General Baptist in Indianapolis. All her church friends became an extension of her own family. Up until her final days, she kept faith and family as her highest priority, touching countless lives along the way.

During her most recent hospital stay, she was reluctant to get an MRI, saying “Well, I’m going to have a new body soon anyway!” She said Jesus was her ONLY hope!

Nelda was a woman of selfless devotion. She defined her life by doing acts of service and giving quality time to those she loved.

As her legacy of faith and family lives on in our hearts, she will be forever loved and missed.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at the Clayton Christian Church, 5110 IN-39, Clayton, IN 46118, from 11am until the time of service beginning at 2pm.  She will be laid to rest beside her husband in Center Valley Cemetery, Clayton, IN.