Nelda S. Lee

Nelda S. Lee, age 81, of Odessa, Texas passed away peacefully from complications of Parkinson’s Disease on October 30, 2022. Nelda did not want a funeral; she wanted a party. A party to celebrate her life and accomplishments will be held Friday, November 4th at Clear Springs Restaurant in Midland, Texas, which was one of Nelda’s favorite restaurants. Burial will be held privately and arranged by Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home.

Nelda was born July 3, 1941 in Rising Star, Texas to Olan and Onis Lee. She is preceded in death by both of her parents, four brothers: Charles, Gaylon, Jimmy and Billy, and a sister Onita. She is also preceded in death by her ex-husband, Curtis Pool of Odessa, Texas, the father of their daughter. Nelda is survived by a brother Ottis Lee of Brownwood, Texas and her only child, a daughter Jeanna Pool of Denver, Colorado.

Nelda was the Salutatorian of Rising Star High School, graduating in 1959. Attended Texas Woman’s University Fall 1959 to Spring 1960, Tarleton State University where she received her Associate Degree in Art in 1961 and went on to graduate in 1963 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of North Texas.

Upon graduation from UNT, she moved to Odessa and taught art at Ector High School. She served as head of the Art Department for Ector High School from 1963-1967 at which time she was also an officer in the Texas State Art Education Association.

In 1967, she opened her own art gallery, selling fine art, jewelry and gifts. She continued to own her highly successful business as a fine arts and jewelry dealer and fine arts appraiser for almost 55 years.

In 1980 she became a Senior Member of American Society of Appraisers. Nelda also served on the Board of Directors of the North American Art Exchange from 1979-1980. She also served on the Ector County Arts Committee which was active in the formation of the Texas Fine Arts Commission.

As a professional artist, Nelda received numerous awards for her artwork, including: first place awards at the International Designer/Craftsman Exhibition in El Paso, Texas. Nelda exhibited her art throughout the U.S. and Mexico, including the tour exhibit of the Texas Fine Arts Association, where she won first place in 1964, outstanding citation in 1965 and regional citation in 1966.

As the owner of her successful business as a fine arts and jewelry dealer and fine arts appraiser Nelda also won numerous professional awards and honors, including: the “Entrepreneurial Excellence Award” in 2001 and “8 State Regional Award in Sole Proprietorship” given by Working Woman’s Magazine. The W.D. Noel Volunteer of the Year Award in 1999 and 2000. Was elected to Odessa Texas Business Hall of Fame in 1999. Was the recipient of the Certificate of Merit by the Texas Arts Council in 1993. And was the recipient of the 1991 Award for Excellence in Community Service in the Arts, presented by The Heritage of Odessa Foundation.

She served as President of the Texas Association of Art Dealers from 1980 to 1990. She was a member and major contributor for the Ellen Noel Art Museum in Odessa, Texas where the “Nelda S. Lee Gallery” is named in her honor.

Nelda was selected by the Texas State Society in Washington D.C. to present the official Presidential Pre-inauguration Party “Western Master Art Show” in January 1997 for President Clinton’s second inauguration.

She was appointed to the Texas Commission on the Arts by Governor Ann Richards and served from 1993 to 1999.

Nelda was also highly involved in many civic and community activities, including: being a member of the Acquisition Committee and Board of Directors for the Permian Basin Presidential Museum in 1978. A VIP fundraiser for Easter Seals Telethon in 1978 and 1979. “Friends of UTPB” (University of Texas of the Permian Basin) member, Tarleton State University, member of the “Century Club” in 1981, and a contributor to scholarship funds set up in her name for UTPB, Tarleton State University and the University of North Texas.

Nelda also had interviews and articles published about her successful business as a fine arts and jewelry dealer and fine arts appraiser in dozens of publications, including: the Houston Chronical, Texas Business Magazine and Southwest Art Magazine. She’s also listed in over 100 biographical and “who’s who” directories.

Nelda was an amazing mom. An amazing friend. An amazing woman. And lived an amazing life.

In lieu of flowers, please make a charitable donation in memory of Nelda Lee to one of the following organizations:

UTPB (University of Texas of the Permian Basin) https://www.utpb.edu/

Parkinson’s Foundation https://www.parkinson.org/

Dementia Society of America https://www.dementiasociety.org/