Nelda Powell departed this world to be with Jesus on Saturday, September 21, 2024, in Fort Worth, Texas, with some of her children by her side. Nelda moved to Fort Worth 6 years ago to be near family and often told her family that she was ready to go home to be with Jesus and Frank.
Nelda was born March 1, 1937, in Denton, Texas, to Laura Gallant. Growing up, Nelda was surrounded by aunts and received much love and attention. When she moved to Carrizo Springs she met the man she told everyone she had decided to marry, Frank Powell. Frank would laughingly say that he would throw rocks at her, but she never would go away. On January 28, 1952, she and Frank married and spent 65 years together prior to his death in 2017. The two of them shared a marriage of love and commitment that served as an example to their children, grandchildren, and many others. They always loved each other and, in good times and hard, relied on God, each other, and sometimes, lots of patience.
All five of their children were raised in San Angelo, TX. Nelda was a young mother of five by the age of 21 and often joked about going to church on Mother’s Day when she would win the prize for both, the youngest mother and mother with the most children. Nelda was an active participant in her children's lives. She made sure they were supported during their school years, both in academics and extracurriculars. She never missed a football game to watch her boys play or march in the band. Nelda ensured her only daughter always had her support during piano recitals, band, or whatever she was doing. Her children were encouraged to love reading and love music. Any event could turn into a learning experience: trips to museums, looking at the sky, learning about crops in the fields, or the weeds in the yard. Most of all, she taught all her children to love Jesus, give their lives to Him, and spend their lives serving Him however they could. A good work ethic was instilled at an early age. All of them learned the importance of working hard, making a living, and providing for their own families. The Powell children respected and loved their Mother and always sought to make her proud. In 1968, she graduated from Angelo State College, all while raising her children and working as a beautician. She touched many lives as an educator for SAISD, where she taught for 25 years in special education, junior high, and elementary levels. She also impacted many lives through her church involvement. She was a charter member of Trinity Baptist Church (now Edmund Blvd. Baptist). During those years, she served as the church organist, taught Sunday School and was active leading the youth group, along with her husband and many longtime friends. Nelda had a love for her Lord, the church, and the community. As her children grew up and left home, she and Frank began to travel, seeing sights all over the United States and venturing to every county in Texas. She was (almost) always fun to be around. Except maybe when she took her kids and daughters-in-law on a hiking trip to Big Bend. Even though there were at least five small children to be corralled and much grumbling by the "girls," she had a marvelous time with her boys. Holidays were always special when she cooked and hung all the Christmas stockings that she lovingly knitted for each child and grandchild. These stockings were filled with all kinds of unusual finds that were so much fun to open. Grandma made the best pickles and was famous for her chocolate pudding, and every guest was sure to be satisfied. Nelda was the oldest of ten children, and she grew up helping care for these siblings. Many times, one or many of those brothers or sisters could be found staying at her house over the years, several of them the age of her own children. Nelda Powell was greatly loved and respected by her children, the extended Powell family whom she loved so much, and her friends. Nelda had a great deal of honor and integrity and set the bar high for those she loved.
Nelda is preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Frank Powell, mother Laura Gallant McCarley; brothers Charles McCarley, Royce McCarley, and Michael McCarley; and father and mother-in-law, Wid T. and Arizona Powell.
Nelda is survived by her children: Robert (Donna) Powell of Sachse, Wid (Candy) Powell of Odessa, Laura (Rob) Trowbridge of Fort Worth, Lonnie (Susan) Powell of Hamlin, Pat (Debbie) Powell of Arizona. Grandchildren: Amy (Wes) Hood of Blanco, Dr. Christopher (Krista) Powell of Monahans, Clint (Amanda) Trowbridge of San Antonio, Amanda (Steve) Morin of Fort Worth, Kimberly (Josh) Blann of Keller, Holly (Jeep) Calvert of Odessa, Kelly (Kenneth) Boyett of Athens, Dr's. Daniel (Becky) Powell of Oro Valley, AZ, Josh (Laura Beth) Powell of San Angelo, and Ross (Savanna) Powell of Lewisville. Twenty-one great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandsons, and one great-great-granddaughter. She is also survived by sisters Barbara Fowler and Sue Edge, brothers Clyde, David, Clay, and Don McCarley, and a host of nieces and nephews.
Services will be held on Thursday, September 26, 2024. 1:00 pm graveside service at Lawn Haven in San Angelo. 2:00 pm Celebration of Life service at First Baptist Church chapel San Angelo. Following service, an ice cream reception (Nelda's favorite food) and family visitation will be held at First Baptist San Angelo.
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