James 1: 2 – 8 "Count it pure joy my brothers and sisters…"

A fierce warrior for Christ and her family, Nelda Louise Dennis Crews went to be home with Jesus on July 20,2022.  She was born on April 1, 1935, to John Raymond and Laverta Mae Bridges Dennis in Prairie Dell, Texas.  Nelda grew up in the Dallas area, with 2 brothers and one sister, graduating from Forest Avenue High School.

Often a woman before her time and inspired by watching her daddy in his tool shop, Nelda learned the tools of furniture and wood working using her God-given gifts to restore and build furniture or accessories working several summers for a local cabinetmaker.  She always loved a good set of router bits for Christmas!  Her curiosity didn't stop there, Nelda took plumbing and electrical at the community college to do repairs around the house.  Over her life she sewed many a dress for her daughters, made jewelry, quilted, had a kiln for ceramics, and did crafts.  She even designed and built her own house!

Nelda had a heart for teaching children.  At Trinity Baptist Church in Sherman Texas, she taught 5 ^th and 6 ^th graders for many years, using creative techniques to encourage and educate.  She was known for using her historical timelines and PowerPoint (in her mid-70's.) Recently, the pastor told Nelda that many of the children she taught were able to recite the books of the Bible as young adults because of a song she taught.  She focused on creating a rich and fun Sunday School learning experience including Root beer floats and brownies at her house, Passover meals and using items purchased from touring the Holy Land to teach.

Sowing seeds for Christ was a passion for Nelda.  She was known for printing the ABCs of salvation on business cards, handing out pearl angels, bibles and other items to spread the Good News.

Nelda is survived by her dearly loved children and families: Elizabeth Crews Miller, husband Grant Miller and their daughter Sarah Rivas and husband Gabe; Gayle Crews Zischkale, husband Robert Zischkale and their son Aaron Zischkale and wife Lindsey; and Weldon Crews.  Her children, all reside in the Sherman-Denison area where Nelda relocated 16 years ago with her beloved husband Clyde. She is also survived by her brother Donald Dennis.  In addition to being reunited with many in Heaven including her dear Clyde, Nelda will join her brother W. Leo "Dub" Dennis, and her sister Wilda Dennis who just passed on July 8.

Nelda lived with a zeal for Christ, a fierce independence she inspired in her children, and a love for knowledge, history, and arts.

Memorial services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 6 at Trinity Baptist Church, 2627 N Loy Lake Rd, Sherman, TX 75090 .

In lieu of flowers, Nelda's wishes were for donations to be made to Trinity Baptist Church.  As an alternative to a mailed donation, the church website has a Giving portal and a section to note the donation is in memory of Nelda Crews.  Any questions feel free to call the church office.

In memory of Nelda Crews:

Trinity Baptist Church

2627 N Loy Lake Rd

Sherman, TX 75090

Website: Trinity Baptist Church | Sherman, Tx - Passion For God and People (trinitysherman.com)

Phone number 903-892-1568