Nelda June Smith passed away peacefully Thursday, September 8, 2022, at her home surrounded by her loved ones. She was 86.
A virtual memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, September 24, 2022, with Larry Ross officiating.
Nelda was born November 28, 1935, in the little community of Cedar Springs, Texas to A.J. and Mardell Maxwell. She graduated valedictorian from Lott High School in 1954.
Nelda married Leon Street on February 19, 1955, and together they welcomed six children, Kathy, Judy, Joni, Kent, Donna, and Lorna, into their family. Leon passed away in a car accident on March 8, 1969.
Nelda was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and was a faithful servant of Jehovah for more than 60 years.
Although it wasn’t easy being a single parent and raising six children on her own, she made sure to instill in her children a great love for Jehovah and his son, Jesus Christ. She looked forward to the near future when Psalms 37: 10, 11, 29 and Revelation 21: 3, 4 will be fulfilled.
Nelda was happiest spending time with her family and was known for her beautiful, quiet and mild spirit. She was loved and highly regarded by all who knew her. She was an avid reader and enjoyed international travel. On one of her trips abroad in 1993 she met Leonard Smith through mutual friends in a congregation in Coventry, England. They were married in Coventry on May 28, 1994, where they lived for 2 years and returned to Waco in 1996 where they lived for the past 26 years. She retired from the Waco Center for Youth in 1994.
Nelda was preceded in death by her parents, A.J. and Mardell Maxwell; her daughter, Joni Clingman; her husband’s daughter, Julie Dennison; her sister, Betty Palacio; her brother, Kenneth Maxwell; her son-in-law, Ray Lewis; her grandson, Layne Qualls, and her husband’s grandson Daniel Keogh.
Nelda is survived by her husband, Leonard Smith; her daughters, Kathy Lewis, Judy Hedge and husband Jim, Donna Qualls and husband Eddie, Lorna Parrish and husband Rodney; her son, Kent Street and wife Elaine; her sister, Dixie Lenamond; her husband’s daughters, Susan Fellows, Amanda Dodd, Wendy Jennings, Marie Keogh and husband Andy; her husband’s son, David Smith and wife Joyce.
Nelda is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, one great-great grandson and numerous nieces and nephews in the US and the UK.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to JW.ORG
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I never met this beautiful lady but I feel I know her through her daughter Judy. God’s peace and love 💕 you all will be together again in God’s time.
She was a truly wonderful woman and I think this part describes aunty Nelda really nicely “was known for her beautiful, quiet and mild spirit.”
She was gentle and so so kind and she passed on those qualities to her children in equal measure.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you, until the day we get to see her again in perfect health ❤️
We send our heartfelt condolences to the entire family for the loss of Nelda. This is a time of sorrow and we will be praying for each family member to have comfort and strength from our loving God. We are encouraged by the fact that there will be a resurrection and we will be rejoined with our loved ones. Job 14:12-15 With Love, Edwin & Gail Margulies
I’m so sorry! She was a beautiful person inside & out. I didn’t know her extremely well but I know almost all of her family & became family when my son married her niece. The love & beautiful traits learned by her children, family, & friends truly always showed me who she was too. It’s so wonderful to see those faithful to the end. Never wavering- always strong. Jehovah will definitely never forget either
We are so sorry for the pain you must be going through at this time.. Loosing anyone in death is
painful, but of course every death is different. Only Jehovah knows how you feel as an individual for each one. May our thoughts and prayers for you contribute to helping you through these terrible times. Keep on holding on, stay faithful and continue to pray constantly. ❤️ Mozell and Dona Mack
We are so very sorry for your loss.
Nelda was a beautiful person inside and out!
Keeping your entire family in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Ronnie & Kim Knight
Although I haven’t seen Nelda in years I have fond memories of going to her house for the book study. I know she will be greatly missed.
I’m so sorry for the loss of Nelda June Smith who I called My Mum (second mum) I’m grateful to her family for welcoming my Dad into their family. Nelda was so welcoming when we first visited them. Thankyou for mentioning my Son Daniel who we lost in November 2021 I will cherish the fond memories of Nelda for a long time
Marie & Andy Keogh (England)
beautiful lady with a heart of gold. she will be missed by all xxx
I will miss Nelda. As a single mom I can truly appreciate what a big job raising children as a single mom can be, and I admired her and looked up to her for the job she did with her children. Love to you all.
Such a lovely lady who we only met on one occasion, but we spoke often by telephone and on social media. I know my dad will be missing her immensely. Love to all her family xxx
To me, Nelda was both beautiful on the outside and within. I considered Nelda, to be much more than just a spiritual sister. She was much more, in that, she opened up not only her heart, but , also invited us to be part of this wonderful family. Just as Jehovah our God invited us to be part of his spiritual family. Nelda, have truly imitated him in this way.
I am saddened, yes. I am also glad, because she ran the race never giving up to the the finish. She will receive that promised prize. Like all of us, whose lives have been impacted in so many ways. We will exercise a waiting attitude, as we keep looking forward to that time when Jehovah, our God, will call, and you, our mother, our sister, and our friend will answer.
At that time rev21:3,4 would be fulfilled.. So, have your rest. See you soon. Thank you, for being you.
I wish I had known your mother! Her obituary told of all the great attributes that any woman could have. You and your family were very lucky to have her in your lives and I know all the memories of her will soothe you as you go forward.
Sincerely,
Shirley Crockett
I feel blessed to have known Nelda, growing up with her children and often getting into trouble with Kent. She had a love for her family that was evident for all to see. Even though struggling to raise a large family as a single parent she always put spiritual things first. Knowing that she has run the race to the end fills me with confidence to press forward in my race. We will keep all her family in our prayers. Love you all!
Len, I am so sorry for your loss. I miss those days of you dropping by the shop to collect pieces of wood for your home projects. You always checked on me to make sure I still had all my fingers!
-Carlton and Becky Muns
Thank you Carlton for your kind words. You and I have some things in common . We both had mothers who loved us dearly, and did all they could to point us in the right direction. You know personally how it is to lose both parents. I now have an idea of what you went through when you lost your dear mother Mildred. Both of our mothers would want us to complete the race that is set before us and not falter at this late stage of the race. Elaine and I appreciate all your encouragement.
Sending our love to you and Becky.
A kind hearted, warm, loving person who gave my Grandad Len and her family so many years of happiness. Nelda will be missed by everyone and our thoughts are with you all at this sad time x
Extending my deepest sympathies for the loss of your mother. Thinking of you, Judy, and your family. I pray you find comfort is God’s word. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” -Psalm 34:18
Our family is keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers.
I am so sorry for your loss. I will be thinking of you and will keep you and your family in my prayers.
To the family, I didn’t get the opportunity to meet your loved one, but I see where Kathy gets her quiet and gentle spirit . It’s evident sister Smith “Kept Her Eyes On The Prize “. We’re very close to seeing the fulfillment of John 5:28,29 and Rev 21:3,4. You all are in my prayers.
Nelda was a gentle sole alway quite watching us all on her visits to England. Thinking you you all at this sad time. Sending everyone in America all our love. The McQueen household
Dear Grandad,
I am so sorry to hear of the sad news of Neldas passing. Nelda will always be with you.
Love you always Clairlybell (dumplin) xx
I am saddened to hear of the passing of mum. Mum was a kind and gentle sole with a warm heart. Mum you will be sadly missed by me and my American family.
Sending all my American family and my dad lots of love.
Love you mum xx
May you receive strength, comfort and peace as you walk through this life experience. Prayers for you and your family always.