Obituary of Nelda Lu Neafus
Nelda Lu Neafus, 95, of Edmond, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family. She was born on September 2, 1929, in Cushing, Oklahoma, to David Norman Nix and Mabel Nazworthy Nix.
Nelda grew up in Tulsa and graduated from Tulsa Central High School in the class of 1947. After completing her education at the Draughon Business School in 1948, she began her professional career with the Army Corps of Engineers in Tulsa in the Office of Counsel. It was there, in 1957, that she met the love of her life, Bobby Neafus. The two were married on July 4, 1958, a date chosen so they would always have a holiday to celebrate their love.
After leaving her position at the Corps in 1959 to care for her firstborn son, Nelda embarked on her most cherished role: mother to her boys, Blake and Damon. Once her children entered grade school, she resumed her professional life as a preschool teacher at the First United Methodist Church on South Boulder in Tulsa. Over the years, Nelda served the church in various roles and was recognized for her dedication when she received a special membership in the Women’s Society of Christian Service in 1965. She continued to serve the church until 1984 and later returned to the Army Corps of Engineers, where she worked as a voucher examiner until her retirement in 1996.
Nelda’s greatest joys were rooted in her family. She never missed an opportunity to cheer on her sons at baseball, football, wrestling, or any of the countless neighborhood games that took place in their front yard. Her pride for her sons extended to her grandchildren, Leigha and Luke, and she enthusiastically attended their softball games, cycling races, and every special event in their lives.
Nelda and Bobby shared 66 beautiful years of marriage, filled with love, travel, and family. Together, they created a legacy of warmth, dedication, and steadfast devotion to each other and their loved ones.
Nelda is preceded in death by her parents, Mabel and David Nix, and her sister, Norma Jo Lees. She is survived by her beloved husband, Bobby L. Neafus of Edmond; sons, Blake Neafus (Victoria) of Edmond and Damon Neafus (Gladys) of Sand Springs; grandchildren, Leigha Neafus of Tulsa and Luke Neafus of Edmond; four great-grandchildren; nieces, Diane Lees and Susan Scott; and nephew, Mark Tarver, three great nieces, one great nephew and one great great nephew.
The viewing will be held at Ninde Funeral Home, 3841 S. Peoria, Tulsa on Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. with the family receiving from 5 -7 p.m. A celebration of Nelda’s life will be held at Memorial Park Chapel on Friday, January 17, 5111 S. Memorial, Tulsa at 10 a.m. where family and friends will gather to honor the memory of a remarkable woman whose love and kindness touched so many lives.
Ninde Funeral | Mosaic Memorial Cremation | (918) 742-5556 | ninde.com