Nelda Jean Ledford left us on Jan. 25, 2022, at the age of 88, to live in glory with her Heavenly Father.

Nelda was born on Dec. 16, 1933, in Forsan, Texas, to Myrtle Coffman Spears and though her biological father was Cecil Coffman. She was raised by Jim Spears, whom she called Dad.

In her younger years her family chased the oil fields in West Texas before settling in Fort Stockton, Texas. She was a 1952 graduate of Fort Stockton High School, and lived most of her adult life there. Nelda held employment in various positions in Fort Stockton.

At the age of 60 she accepted a position with Pool Trucking, which later became Nabors Trucking. Soon she earned her 20-year service award. She retired at 82. She loved being able to spend countless hours reading her Bible when she retired.

Nelda never met a stranger. Walking through Walmart was always an adventure with Nelda. You always left with new friends. Her positive nature and sweet outlook on life influenced generations of Stocktonites. Nelda was kind, loving, and generous. Now, she did not like being called “The Cat Lady,” but she hated seeing hungry cats. She fed many cats in her neighborhood.

Nelda was preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Myrtle Spears; brothers JC Coffman and Wayne “Corky” Coffman; and sister Maxine Wynne.

Nelda is survived by her devoted sisters Bobbie Lou Reed and Betty Coffman; loving sons Leonard (JonAnne), James (Linda), Joe (Tammy) and Clint (Michelle). She loved all her grandchildren, Leonard II (Kym) Ledford, Michael Ledford, Brett Ledford, Ron Allen (Heidi) Ledford, Justin Ledford, Yvette (Adam) Lee, Mathew Garcia, Rachall Ledford Robison, Brittany Ledford Scalzo, Cymatha Jo Ledford, Bradley Ledford, Kenna Ledford, Brandon Jamison, Michael Kelley, Destiny Vega, and Morgan Mulkey. Nelda was blessed with 11 great-grandchildren, and countless nieces and nephews. Her legacy lives on.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022, at Immanuel Baptist Church, 709 Saint Gall Street, Fort Stockton, Texas at 2 p.m. Reception to follow in their Fellowship Hall.