Catherine Nelms

Catherine Janez “Kay” Nelms passed from this life into the presence of Jesus on March 1, 2025. Kay was born in Laneville, Rusk County, Texas on October 30, 1928, to Alfred Hall Waldrop and Catherine Olivia Waldrop (née Walker). In 1950, she graduated from the Texas State College for Women (now Texas Woman’s University) with a Bachelor of Science degree in Clothing and Costume Design. In the same year, she married the love of her life, William Jurdon “Bill” Nelms. Their union was blessed with four children: Cindy, Joe, Chuck, and Toby.

Kay’s life was filled with family, faith, and service. Her family was of utmost importance to her. Every Christmas, she made ornaments for children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, tucking a few dollars inside each one as a bonus. She was always a thoughtful, supportive presence in the life of her family.

Faith was the foundation of Kay’s life. She believed in and followed Jesus through all of life’s storms – all the way to the end. She was a devoted member of Valley View Baptist Church for several decades, and her family and friends knew that they could always count on her to pray for them.

She put her education to use as a seamstress, creating beautiful garments and keepsakes, and as a teacher, where she impacted many lives over the years. Like many in her family, Kay also enjoyed spending time at the bowling center, where she was an enthusiastic and skilled bowler.

Kay was preceded in death by her parents and husband. She is survived by her four children: Cindy (Wayne) Hoskins of Longview, Joe Nelms of Kilgore, Chuck (Denise) Nelms of Houston, and Toby (Beth) Nelms of Longview. In addition, she is survived by eleven grandchildren and thirty-one great-grandchildren spread across the country. Kay was truly blessed by and was a great blessing to her family, all of whom will miss her dearly.

A celebration of Kay’s life will be held at Lakeview Memorial on Saturday, March 8 at 10:00AM, with burial to follow. Visitation will be Friday, March 7, from 5:00PM to 7:00PM, also at Lakeview Memorial. Friends and family are invited to gather to honor her memory and share in the legacy of love she leaves behind.