Linda Nelson Brouse

Linda Jane Brouse (Nelson), 77, of Martinez, Georgia, slipped away on January 13, 2026, at the home she filled with love and laughter. Born February 21, 1948, in Omaha, Nebraska, she poured her vibrant spirit into everyone around her—blending strength, grace, and that unforgettable zest for life. Far from quiet, Linda sparkled with charm, a genuine passion for people, and a warmth that wrapped you up like a cherished friend.

From Augusta Technical School with her LPN, she beamed with pride over her accomplishments, her family marveling at her steadfast dedication through the joys and challenges of raising a family. While Bill served overseas in the U.S. Army, she joined the German Red Cross to bond with international nurses. Nursing wasn't just her work—it was her joy, a passion she sprinkled everywhere with endless compassion. In the Burn Unit at Doctor’s Hospital, Linda excelled for years as a Licensed Practical Nurse, beloved for her skillful touch, rock-solid commitment, and knowledge base. Her colleagues adored her top-notch patient care, her endless empathy, and her playful shenanigans and antics that kept the night shift in good spirits.

Linda dove into a life of discovery and delight, delving into genealogy with pure passion—unearthing Mayflower trails, Daughters of the American Revolution roots, and every thread of her family's story. This included being the first on her Czechoslovakian side to return to Biskupice Trébice, meeting remaining family on the Rezek/Hjetmanek side still there. She brought her daughter to connect with family there, learning Czech words like "rodina" (family), which captured what mattered most to her. She glowed with pride at restoring her father, John Willis Nelson’s Purple Heart—lost to a fire—with Congressman Charlie Norwood's kind help. Her garden was her colorful canvas, bursting with knock-out roses, fragrant Confederate jasmine, countless flowers, azalea bushes, hydrangeas—a symphony of scent and hue. She treasured her hardwoods and that stunning Japanese Red Maple above all. In the kitchen, she was magic—an amazing baker and cook who whipped up feasts that gathered friends and family close. A true artist at heart, she picked up a paintbrush, pencil, needle, and thread whenever inspiration struck for a new project. Travel ignited her soul: exploring Europe with Bill during his Army service, embarking on family adventures to ancient sites that sparked a lifelong love of history in her children, and cherishing that last magical trip to the British Isles for their 50th wedding anniversary, savoring every moment together.

Linda was a devout Catholic, with a deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, savoring tales of miracles at Guadalupe, Lourdes, and Fatima. She and Bill cherished two apostolic blessings across their 56 beautiful years together, with Pope John Paul II's the Marian Pope she felt Mary herself had chosen—holding a special place in her heart. That faith wove gently through her days, coloring every bit of love she gave so freely.

Among her cherished family, Linda was the beloved wife of 56 years to William “Bill” Brouse, devoted mother to Nicole Brouse of Martinez, Georgia, and William Brouse of Cumming, Georgia, and sister to Connie (Ron) Ewart of Ogdensburg, New York. She was preceded in death by her parents, John Willis Nelson and Elizabeth Ann Rezek, and sister Ellen Marie Nelson.

Family and friends are warmly invited to celebrate Linda's life on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Platt’s Funeral Home in Evans, Georgia, where a service will follow. In true Linda style, please feel free to wear vibrant colors as a heartfelt expression of your love for her—she would prefer you celebrate her vibrant life rather than mourn her passing. Flowers are warmly welcomed, or please thoughtfully consider a contribution to the Linda Jane Brouse (Nelson) Memorial Fund, established to support the family as they navigate the days ahead.