Nell Waddell

Nell Seymour Waddell passed away June 15, 2021, in Midland, Texas.

Nell was born February 22, 1931 in Columbus, Texas to James Dunn Seymour and Jeanette Miles Seymour.  Nell treasured her childhood there and being a part of the large Seymour family that had a special bond.  She graduated from Columbus High School in 1948.  She then graduated from Baylor University in 1952 with a B.A. in Education.  She was blessed with three life-long friends from Baylor and all four families shared years of attending Baylor football games and Homecomings together.  After graduation, she taught Second Grade in Yoakum, Texas.

At Baylor, she met Richard C. (Dick) Waddell.  They were married August 8, 1953.  His years at Baylor were interrupted by his service in the Korean War.  After his graduation in 1955, they headed west to begin life in his hometown of Odessa, Texas where they resided for the remainder of their lives.

Nell was a faithful member and teacher at Belmont Baptist Church and later First Baptist Church.  She co-led her adult Sunday School class for over 20 years with the highlight being the annual retreat to Prude Ranch.  She served in the Odessa Junior League, the Odessa Study Club, PEO, and the Rotary-Anns.  Nell enjoyed many years of bridge with special friends every Friday at the Odessa Country Club.  She is remembered for her kindness, love for everyone and a sassy sense of humor.  Her greatest gift was of hospitality and amazing food.  She hosted countless family, church and community gatherings in their home.  Regrettably, her culinary talent was not inherited by any in the next generations.

Nell was preceded in death by her husband in 2017, her parents, and her brother James Dunn Seymour, Jr. and his wife Dena Seymour.

Nell is survived by her daughter Mary Edith Waddell and her children Stuart Meisell and Evelyn Meisell (Collin Bjork); her daughter Jeanell Waddell Spearman (Gary Doyle) and her children Frazier Spearman and Melanie Spearman; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

There will be no public service or visitation.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Odessa, 800 E. 13th St., Odessa, Texas 79761, or the Permian Basin Rehabilitation Center, 620 N. Alleghaney, Odessa, Texas 79761.