Nelda J. Stelly passed away peacefully on April 11, 2024, in Orlando, Florida, at the age of 71. She was born on June 3, 1952, in Liberty, Texas.
Nelda was a beloved mother to Tiffany Walters and Meghan Stelly, and a bonus mother to Rhonda (Warren)Walters Jones and Andre’(Erica) Walters, and an honorary mother to her daughter’s friends over the years. She was a cherished grandmother to Marcus Woods, Morgan Woods, Nicholas Woods, Lamarion Williams, Lyndon Gnon, and Luke Gnon. She leaves to cherish her memories her siblings Hattie (David) LaFleur, Sandra Olaseni, Trent (Kate) Smith, Jennifer Smith, and Samuel (Dwonna) Smith. Her nieces Davina LaFleur, Jasmine Olaseni, Teraka (Melvin) Colbert, Krystal Smith, Ashley (Everette) Robinson, Briana Taylor, and Amanda Smith. Her nephews Damien (Tomenika) LaFleur, Sheldon Smith, Aaron Smith, and a host of great nieces & nephews, family and friends. She was preceded in death by her father Ivory Dell Smith, mother Alma Lois Smith, brother Jerry Wayne Smith, sister Bonnie Lee Smith and niece Kisha Victorian.
Nelda was a graduate of Hull Daisetta High School and later completed a Business Certification course in Houston, Texas before attending the University of Houston and graduating from Lee College with an Associate of Art Degree in Elementary Education. She served as an Officer for the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society where she represented the college for various events including a trip to Europe for an international conference.
As a young woman Nelda had the opportunity to be a fashion model for Ebony and the Johnson Co. before a successful career as an Associate Accountant for Transco Oil Co. in Houston, Texas, and later worked in the Accounting Department at Foley’s in Baytown, Texas. She went on to teach for a short time at Goose Creek Elementary School.
Nelda accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior early in her life and found solace in her various places of worship throughout her life, including Bright Light Baptist Church, Our Mother Of Mercy Catholic Church, where she served as a Lectern, and Faith Assembly in Orlando, Florida where she participated in various women bible studies.
In her free time, Nelda enjoyed gardening, cooking, and spending time with her family. Despite mobility challenges after an accident, she found joy in family outings/vacations and community outings with her friends and daughter. Nelda’s faith was contagious and unknowingly to her, she was a faith builder to others everywhere she went. Being the grandmother she was, she spent time playing with her grandchildren while becoming a board game, bingo and card playing queen! She loved that special time with her grandchildren and friends.
A Memorial ceremony to celebrate Nelda’s life will be held at Berean Tabernacle Baptist Church in Liberty, TX. on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at 11 am. The funeral services are entrusted to Osceola Memory Garden in St. Cloud, Florida.
The family would like to thank everyone for the many phone calls, flowers, gifts , visits, thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Nelda will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her memory will live on in the hearts of those she loved.
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