Nelda Jean (McCuistion) Blanton, 81, of Bryan Texas, passed away Friday, August 10 2012. A memorial service will be held at the A&M Church of Christ in College Station on Wednesday, August 15, 2012 at 2:00 pm.
Nelda was born on December 29, 1930 in Beaumont, Texas, to Herman Wilson McCuistion and Cleo Ibera Trawick McCuistion. She married her high school sweetheart, Sammie Joel Blanton, in 1950. Nelda graduated from South Park High School in Beaumont, Texas in 1948. She went to Abilene Christian College for one year in 1948-49.
Nelda loved to sing. She had a beautiful soprano voice privileging her to perform with the Melody Maids in the 1940s. The Melody Maids were formed in 1942, in Beaumont, Texas by Mrs. Eloise Milam in order to help sell war bonds. They soon became so much more and were in demand not only in Texas but all throughout the U.S. They sang for service groups and service men at military bases, hospitals and even performed at Radio City Music Hall. Nelda served as a substitute teacher in the South Park Independent School District while raising five boys.
Once her five boys were all in school, Nelda felt a calling to become a nurse and earned an LVN Degree from Lamar College in Beaumont when she was in her late 30’s. Over the next almost 20 years, she worked as a nurse in various hospitals and physician offices in Beaumont, Texas
After retiring, Sam and Nelda moved to Bryan, Texas. Nelda was a lifelong, devout Christian and an avid member of A&M Church of Christ in College Station, Texas. Her hobbies included crafting jewelry, quilting and water aerobics. She recently took joy in being a member of the “Red Hat” ladies group
She was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband, Sammie Joel Blanton; and her brother, Herman Dwan McCuistion.
Survivors include her five sons and their families, Randy and Louise Blanton, of Seabrook, Texas, Steve Blanton, of Austin, Texas, Mack and Jennifer Blanton, of College Station, Texas, Richard Blanton, of Lumberton, Texas, Jeff and Patti Blanton, of College Station, Texas; Sister and brother-in-law, Retha and Ken Kennamer, of Abilene, Texas; grandchildren include, Chris Blanton, his wife Christy, Ben Blanton, his wife Tina, Michelle Blanton Strong, her husband Travis, Samantha Blanton, Karl Blanton, his wife Courtney, Brittany Blanton, Chad Blanton, Heather Blanton, James Johns and Andrew Dorer; great-grandchildren include, Richard Karl Jr., Kailey Marie, Lillie, Lexi, Kendall, Kyle, Samuel Dale and Lauren Blanton.
Nelda was a loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother and great grandmother who will be missed by all.
I got to know Nelda through water aerobics.
She was already a pro when I started. She always kept an eye on me because she knew that I didn’t swim. Once I fell into the water, she immediately helped me stand up. I can never forget this sweet, loving, gentle lady. Dear Nelda, I miss you.
I am so sorry for your loss.
To the Nelda Blanton family….we grieve with you. We have lost a beautiful Christian lady, who loved her Savior with all her heart. What an example she was to all of us who knew her. Her smile was catching! Also, was never any doubt of the love she had for her family. You were blessed to have such a Mother. She will be missed by everyone who knew her.
To the Blanton Family–Nelda was one of the kindest, sweetest, most caring ladies it has ever been my privilege to know. I got to know and love her through water aerobics, and I can tell all of you with the utmost certainty that I know she is is Heaven now with her beloved Sammie. I also know nothing was more important to her than her family–especially her “boys.” She served as an example to me on how a true gentlewoman dealt with trials and tribulations of this life and her unerring faith in the life that is to come. Please know that I share your loss and that all of you are in my prayers.
Dr. Mack, I am sure your Mother will be greatly missed. I did not know her, but I was your patient and know what a caring son she raised. My thoughts and prayers are with all of your family as you go through this sad time. May God richly bless you with His comforting, healing touch.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. We have known the McCuistion family for many years, and will always remember Nelda and her sweet disposition. God bless all of you.
Dear Mack and Jennifer and all the Blanton family,
I met Nelda in the water aerobics class. She was the sweetest person I have ever known with her big smile and loving demeanor. She was very proud of her boys and their families. Mothers hold a special place in you heart and that is where she will always be. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
The Blantons are part of our wonderful memories at the old Westside Church of Christ in Beaumont, TX. Knowing and loving your grandmother, Aunt Cleo to us, and being a young wife learning skills from Nelda were all part of my training as a Christian wife and mother. God’s blessings at this time.
Mack and Jennifer,
Although we did not have the privilege of knowing your mother,
I
know she meant a lot to both of you and will be greatly missed. Please know our thoughts are with you.
Kay and Ron Hart
Mack and Jennifer,
Although we did not have the privilege of knowing your mother,
I
know she meant a lot to both of you and will be greatly missed. Please know our thoughts are with you.
Kay and Ron Hart
Such a shock of hear of Nelda’s passing. I learned about it on Sunday, the 19th. Having talked with her the week she died, I had just completed arrangements that day for Phyllis Garner Caudel and I to visit in early September after she was settled in from the move. Such a hugh loss of a wonderful friend. Sam, Nelda, my late husband, Glen, and I have shared many good memories since South Park High School and TAMU days. My deepest sympathy to the Blanton boys and their families and to her sister, Retha. We have lost a beautiful jewel- her delightful laugh, wonderful smile and “Love ya” after a phone call.
Doris Breaux
Georgetown, Texas