Nelda G. Wheeler

Nelda was born May 19, 1940 to Willie “Bill” and Elizabeth Nix Stuart in Blanket, Texas. She was the 2nd of 8 children. Nelda was a graduate from the Scranton class of 57 where she earned her letter jacket as Captain of the Basketball Team. She was an active member of the Scranton Ex’s and enjoyed participating in their Annual Homecoming events.

She attended Cisco Junior College and earned her Associate Degree in General Studies before moving on to Texas Wesleyan College, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Education. Her first teaching job was teaching 2nd grade in Strawn, Texas, where she met the love of her life, Billy Joe Wheeler. The couple were married June 2, 1962, in the small Baptist Church in Scranton, Texas. They were happily married for 50 years.

Nelda was a supportive Army wife and followed her soldier to several tours which included Oklahoma, Japan, Ft. Hood, Germany, and back to Central Texas where the family retired in Copperas Cove. Along their travels Nelda gave birth to three children which were her pride and joy, Keith, Lucretia, and Wanda Jo.

Nelda received her Masters in Counseling from Mary Hardin Baylor. She worked on Ft. Hood in the Child Development Center, Adult Education and Testing Facility at the Casey Memorial Library. She retired to spend time with her Grandchildren in 2005.

Nelda was a devoted member of the Fairview Baptist Church, in Copperas Cove, Texas. She enjoyed traveling, playing Bunco, spending time with her family, and visiting with friends. Nelda always had a kind word to say to everyone she met. She loved people and was loved by many in return.

Nelda was preceded in death by parents Willie “Bill” and Elizabeth Stuart, brothers David and Mike ‘Dooley’ Stuart.

She is survived by her loving husband of 50 years Bill Wheeler; treasured children son Keith (Tammy) Wheeler, daughters Lucretia (Brett) Mighell and Wanda Jo (Paul) Warren, 14 adored Grand Children, 3 Great- Grand Children; sisters Mary (Richard) Hertless and Ruby (Roger) Reep, brothers Edwin (Sandra) Stuart, Robert (Tammy) Stuart, and Raymond Stuart, sisters in-law Betty Wheeler and Joyce Stuart, along with numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be Tuesday, August 28 at 10:30 am at Clear Creek Baptist Church. Visitation will be Monday from 6-8 PM at Crawford Bowers Funeral Home in Copperas Cove. Condolences can be shared with the family at www.crawfordbowersfuneralhomecopperascove.com