Nelda Patricia Worden

Born in Corpus Christi in 1927, Nelda was destined from an early age to make a difference. Adversity couldn’t stop her, poverty was but a speed bump. She grew up to be an adored daughter, sister, wife, mother, Nana, friend, and neighbor. She spent two-thirds of her life (66 years) tirelessly supporting her beloved husband, Vernis Robert Worden, and her children and grandchildren. She was an unstoppable force. No one could match her work ethic, and she proved to be an inspiration to wives and moms in her community. Raised after the Great Depression, Nelda understood that education provided the escape route from poverty, and she ensured that her family prioritized its studies. Her cherished daughters had successful careers—one in academia, the other in healthcare—and her grandchildren, spread across the country, are accomplished in their fields of business and entrepreneurship, engineering, medicine, and law.

Nelda’s marriage to Vernis was pulled from the storybooks. He doted on her, and she supported him through his 41 years of government service in the U.S. Army, including service in multiple wars. In addition to being a loving wife and effective parent, she was an accomplished seamstress, letter writer, and painter. An amazing southern chef, Nelda’s petite apron is impossible to fill, her recipes beyond replication. She also enjoyed reading novels, watching westerns, and rooting for the Dallas Cowboys. Known for her jovial spirit, boundless energy, and wry humor, Nelda was the consummate selfless servant and a fierce advocate for her loved ones. Make no mistake, she, along with Vernis, was the solid, unshakeable rock of her family.

Nelda was preceded in death by her parents, Olion and Nellie Terry, her brother, Dean Terry, her husband, Vernis, and her daughter, Tricia Worden Heath. She is survived by her brother, Arlen Terry, her brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Judy Worden, her daughter and son-in-law, Wanda and Doug Holder, her son-in-law, Michael Heath, Sr., her grandsons and their wives, Chad and Kristi Boudreaux, Mark and Laura Roberts, Patrick and Rebecca Roberts, Michael, Jr. and Jordan Heath, and David and Sabrina Heath, and her eleven great-grandchildren.

And now, we must part with our good friend for a short time and rest in the promises of God’s Word: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing." 2 Timothy 4:7-8. Not because of any works that Nelda may or may not have done, but because of Christ's finished work on the cross on her behalf, "who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel". (2 Timothy 1:10)

Nelda is buried next to Vernis in Memory Gardens in Corpus Christi. A private memorial service is forthcoming. The family would like to extend a special thank you to her caregivers at Alameda Oaks Nursing Center in Corpus Christi. We witnessed how you loved and provided for her, how you invested in her, and how well you communicated with us. You made her final years on this earth worth living. Thank you, and job well done.

Nelda (Pat, Patsy, Mom, Nana), you made a difference. You died a debtor only to Christ and a creditor to all others. Until we meet again in eternity.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MemoryGardensFuneralHome.com for the Worden family.