Nelda Maureen Blackwell, 97, died on June 18, 2024, at her home, surrounded by family in Arlington, Texas.
Visitation will be held at Sneed-Carnley Funeral Chapel in Lampasas June 24 at noon. Funeral services will follow at 1 p.m., with burial afterward at Killeen Memorial Cemetery, 3516 Lake Rd.
Nelda was born on Nov. 13, 1926, in Kempner to Mac Stewart Baird and Viola (Stubblefield) Baird.
She grew up in Kempner and graduated from Killeen High School.
Nelda married Jerome Keener Blackwell on June 20, 1942, in Killeen. They were married for 62 years and raised three daughters, who gave them a total of eight grandchildren. Nelda was very proud of her family and often said, “I don’t know what I would do without my family.”
Nelda was a member of First Street Church of Christ in Lampasas for 54 years.
She enjoyed playing games with her husband, other family and friends. Her recent favorite game was Rummikub. She took up painting at 90 years old and produced several pieces that are proudly displayed in family members’ homes.
Nelda was preceded in death by her husband, Jerome Keener Blackwell; her daughter, Karolyn Eernisse; and a grandson, Darrell Smith.
Nelda is survived by her daughter Sheila Eakin, son-in-law Ken Eakin, and daughter Glenda Cochran; grandchildren Spencer Smith and spouse Alyssa Smith, Jason Pearce, Travis Pearce, Brooks Pearce and spouse Amber Pearce, Kim Steinle and spouse Curtis Steinle, Cindi McCreary and spouse Trey McCreary, and Janet Brand and spouse Bill Brand; 15 great-grandchildren; and seven great-greatgrandchildren.
