Nelda Gaye (Church) Madrid

A homecoming and life celebration for Nelda Gaye (Church) Madrid, 74, of Garland, Tx. will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, October 19, 2018 in the Garden Court of Welch Funeral Home. The family will receive friends for a time of visitation on Thursday evening, October 18, 2018 from 6-8:00 p.m in the Garden Court of Welch Funeral Home.
Nelda Gaye Church was born on July 28, 1944 in Longview, Texas to parents Amos Dickson Church and Lela Gracie Ines Church. She was the fifth of six children.Nelda graduated from Daingerfield High School in 1962. She was a member of the Tiger Marching Band alongside her brother and sister. She played the saxophone but shone the brightest as a majorette. She was a self taught twirler and was bestowed the award of “Miss Strut” at band camp at Stephen F. Austin State University. Those that were fortunate to know Nelda knew her as a vivacious, loving, beautiful daughter, sister, wife, mother and Grandmother. Nelda stood apart from the rest and was considered “ahead of her “time” in style. Her artistic flair and love and care was showcased whether tending to her family, her gardening, decorating her family’s home or her own personal style. She served as a caregiver for the elderly and was a licensed cosmetologist. Nelda was a natural caregiver whether it be for children, the elderly or just those that she “took under her wings”. Apart from our Lord and Savior, Nelda’s greatest love was her family. She loved her family with a love that knew no depth. It was Nelda’s desire that her entire family know our Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and redeemer and accept the gift of salvation offered to all whom choose to believe and accept. We know that Nelda will cry no more tears and will hurt no more as we are assured she is in the very presence of our Lord and Savior. The Lord brought Nelda through many trials to include the healing of breast cancer and the loss of a husband and child. We are confident He never left her side. Nelda is survived by her daughter Babette Watson and husband Jimmy, grandson Brandon Royce Bruch and great granddaughter Brooklyn GeNaye Bruch; grandsons Duffy Tao Jr. and Zachery Joe. Sisters Vadene Hamm, Mary Nipper, Dyanne Tolleson and husband Billy, and brother Doyle Church and wife Sherry. She is preceded in death by her beloved mother and father, husband Billy Royce Cannon, son Duffy Tao McDowell, sister Delois Bellamy, son in law Lawrence Augustine Bruch and numerous cherished extended family members. She will be eternally loved by too many family and friends to list. We shall cherish her sweet memory until we meet again. May Grace continue to fall on us like rain and erase our stain. To God be the Glory for Nelda’s life and love that she gave so freely.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that you please consider a donation to a memorial fund established for our loved one. For information please contact Dyanne Tolleson at telephone contact 469-693-1067 and/or email dyannetolleson@hotmail.com