Nelda Olene Thomas

With great sadness we announce the passing of Nelda Olene (Waldrop) Thomas loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend to all who lives she touched.

She passed surrounded by her loving family on Friday, September 22, 2023. She was born on June 5, 1940, in Hylton, Texas, to Harold Wayne Craig and Iva Bella Craig. She graduated from Ector/Odessa High School in 1958. She married Gerald Wayne Thomas known to many as (Jerry or JT.) Nelda was a devoted wife who loved her husband. She and Jerry had a circle of friends and they loved to play golf, travel and spend time doing the things they loved. When Nelda was younger, she worked as a hairdresser, bookkeeper, secretary in the District Attorneys office and later went on to get her insurance license. She had a great personality and never had a loss for words, she was funny, loved to laugh and would tell you what she thought you needed to know in a loving way. She loved animals, mainly dogs, and took great care of her pets she had throughout the years. The highlight of her life were her grandchildren and great grandchildren, she loved them with all her heart and was always there for them. She was like a second mom to many of them. She attended Crossroads church and a ladies bible study group when her health would allow.

Nelda is preceded in death by her parents; brother, George Wayne Craig; sister, Dorothy Louise Scott; and number of aunts.

She is survived by her son, Butch Waldrop and spouse Terri Waldrop; daughter, Vicki Vickers and spouse Tom Sorrells; sister, Beverly Holder and spouse Mike Holder; grandchildren, Joshua Vickers and spouse Jaime, Britt Vickers and spouse Kasey, Bradley Vickers and spouse Andi, David Allen Waldrop and spouse Emily, Jennifer Smith and spouse Russell; 14 great grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews and cousins.

Pallbearers will be Joshua Vickers, Britt Vickers, Bradley Vickers, David Allen Waldrop, Stephen Maggee and Michael Holder.

The family of Nelda wishes to thank all the friends and loved ones that came during the last few days of her life to comfort and be there for us. A special thank you to Home Hospice and for the wonderful care they provided.