Alva Olive Eason Waddell, known by her nickname Noodie, departed this life on November 25th, 2018. Born May 8th, 1918, she was the daughter of Daniel Ramsey Eason and Katy Irene Cook Eason. She was the youngest of five sisters and three brothers, all of whom pre-deceased her, along with her husband of 75 years, Mathis Theron (Bebo) Waddell. She also was preceded in death by her eldest grandson, William David Waddell.
She is survived by her sons, Mathis Theron (Bujo) Waddell, Jr. and his wife, Jeri Lynnette Jaquis Waddell, and Daniel Leon (Dan) Waddell and his wife Mona Robinson Waddell, and grandchildren, Wendy Lee Mattson, Margo Bergman, James Waddell, Jaryd Robinson, and Katie Hilton. Also, great grandchildren, Michael Mattson, Austin Mattson, Allison Mattson Marriott, Madison Mattson, Rhys Bergman, Chase Walbourn, and Ada Walbourn. She also is survived by a great-great granddaughter, Lily Emmarie Mattson.
A life-long resident of Baytown, Texas, she graduated from Robert E. Lee High School and Lee College. Her mother died the day before her 12th birthday and she was guided through her teenage years by her older sisters until she met her one and only love, Bebo, at the age of 16 on an arranged double date by one of her sisters. Shortly after they met, Bebo took her to meet his parents, G.L. Waddell and Lilly Mae Waddell and his two brothers and three sisters. As she related the story, her future mother-in-law became like a mother to her.
Bebo and Noodie were charter members of the Bayshore Rod, Reel, and Gun Club which worked to preserve Galveston Bay from pollution and shell dredging. The successful efforts of the Club led to the passage of legislation at the national level of the Estuarine Management Act which ended the wholesale destruction of the reefs of Trinity and San Jacinto Bays.
After Bebo retired, they bought an RV and traveled across the United States, often accompanied by grandchildren, ranging as far north as Canada and Alaska. They belonged to several organizations of like-minded travelers and became friends with many people on their journeys. Noodie lived a long, fulfilled life, devoting herself to God, her family, and many friends.
A celebration of life service will be held at St. James House, 5800 W. Baker Rd., Baytown, Texas 77520, on Saturday, January 19th, 2019 at 1:30 p.m.
