Nelda Earle Cruse Walters

Funeral services for Nelda Earl Cruse Walters, 90, of Huntington will be held Sunday, December 20, 2015 at 2:30 p.m. at Huntington First Baptist Church with Reverend Joe Saffle and Dr. Darryl Smith officiating. Interment will follow in the Huntington Cemetery.

Nelda Earle Cruse Walters was born to Robert Leon Cruse and Mildred (Dennis) Cruse August 16, 1925. After a long and well-lived life, Nelda died peacefully surrounded by her two children and her “5 Beautiful Granddaughters” Thursday, December 17, 2015.
Despite the hardships of life, including living through the Great Depression and WWII where her sweetheart was stationed overseas, Nelda lived a life based on faith, happiness, family, friends, and quiet academic and professional accomplishment throughout her 90 years.

She was the valedictorian of the HHS class of 1942 and went on to earn bachelors and masters degrees fully supported by academic scholarships. She was voted the Harvest Queen of East Texas Baptist University and also received the Outstanding Student Award while there. After earning her education, then marrying her sweetheart after his return from the war, Quinton and Nelda began their family of three children, all born within 33 months. For five years Nelda devoted her efforts to her home and young children before returning to the classroom where she influenced the lives of hundreds of school children throughout her 34 years of teaching. Nelda considered her career as an educator a calling, not just a career. Her impact through teaching children is far-reaching, as she taught high school, elementary school, and Sunday School. She always had a book, poem, scripture, or other enriching activities ready for her own brood of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her signature poem was “Trees” by Joyce Kilmer, and her oft-quoted scripture was Psalm 121:1, “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.” She loved to travel and planned family vacations in a way that exposed her children to the important landmarks around the United States – always with sandwiches and mincemeat cookies packed for the trip.

Nelda and Quinton spent their years together investing in family and friends. Sundays meant big family meals after church, often with a guest or two in attendance. Class reunions, military reunions, and trips to see old friends were always eagerly anticipated. At the heart of her life were faith and people. Nelda, Mother, Mimi, Mrs. Walters – all of these names mean something different to each person who knew and was loved by this legacy of a woman.

Nelda was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Quinton Stewart Walters; brother, Don Ray Cruse; son, Gary Rutledge Walters; grandson, William Shane Walters; and great-granddaughter, Shelbi Claire Nerren.

She is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Margaret Cruse; son and daughter-in-law, Keith and Judy Walters; her tirelessly caregiving daughter and son-in-law, Beverly and Tom Havard; daughter-in-law, Brenda Walters; her “Five Beautiful Granddaughters”, Jannah Nerren, Julie Parker, Amy Roland, Lisa Vinson, and Jenny Hines; two of her “Three Handsome Grandsons”, Chad Walters and Eric Walters; her many great-grandchildren, Bryce Vines, Casey Vines, Presley Whitley, Garrett Nerren, Christopher Turpin, Chandler Modisette, Claire Nerren, Nikki Turpin, Haleigh Gonzalez, Ashby Parker, Madelyn Modisette, Spencer Hines, Bryndan Nerren, Bayley Roland, Pierce Vinson, Kailyn Walters, Parker Vinson, Stran Hines, Lana Vinson, Sealy Hines, and Madison Walters; and one great-granddaughter, Trinity Lynn Vines.

The family wishes to thank special caregivers Joanna Williams, Eden Maxie, and Lou Kio, as well as her very special physician, Dr. Richard Roby.

Pallbearers will be Lawrence Parker, Bryce Vines, Cory Hines, Shanin Vinson, Adam Nerren, Toby Roland, Casey Vines, Garrett Nerren, and Spencer Hines.

Honorary pallbearers will be Tezzy Terry, Michael Davis, Jerry Hennington, Jack Freeman, and Jarrod Russell.

The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Saturday evening at Carroway Funeral Home in Lufkin.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.