Thelma Nelson

Thelma Lee Nelson of Waco, Texas went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Saturday, October 10, 2020. She spent the day in prayer and praise surrounded by family. The family will receive visitors from 5 – 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 14th, at Pecan Grove Funeral Home, 3124 Robinson Drive, Waco, TX.

Thelma was born June 23rd, 1945 to Lee and Thelma Hamm. She and Wade Nelson were married on July 11th, 1978. They enjoyed 31 years of marriage before Wade’s passing in 2008.

Thelma found great fulfillment and satisfaction early in life by staying active and involved in her children’s academic and athletic achievements. Kimberly, Kevin, and Kyle offered her a sense of great pride as she watched them play sports, participate in U.I.L., graduate college, and excel vocationally.

She spent 30 years volunteering as the Youth Division Superintendent for the Heart of Texas Fair & Rodeo. Thelma and Wade enjoyed decades of square dancing with friends. They also traveled extensively with numerous trips to Colorado, California, Missouri, and Nevada. Thelma and Wade lived most of their life at beautiful Lake Whitney, TX where they enjoyed countless days water skiing, camping, and celebrating the outdoors with family and close friends.

Thelma also enjoyed an exciting career as a Regional Sales Associate for 1928 Jewelry from 1980 – 1997. Determining to travel less she retired and made the decision to own and operate a Wedding and Bridal Supply Store in the Lake Air Mall until 2000. Following a fulfilling and successful professional life, she “retired” again and went to work for Cherry Hill Photo. If you (or your children) had their picture taken with Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny at the Richland Mall between 2000 - 2015, odds are you at one time met Thelma as she spent 15 years introducing thousands of children to Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny.

Thelma enjoyed her last several years volunteering at church, watching her grandkids play sports, and babysitting her great grandkids. She had an incredible and infectious sense of humor coupled with a heart that had a generous and endless supply of love, forgiveness, and kindness. She was a wonderful sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother who cherished every moment spent with family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her father and mother; husband; and brothers, Billy Hamm and Barry Hamm.

She is survived by her brother, Bob Hamm and wife Mary of Point Loma, California; children, Kimberly Mills and husband Paul of Robinson, Texas; Kevin Engelbrecht and wife Rita of Axtell, TX; and Kyle Engelbrecht of Waco, TX; and grandchildren, Kendra Palmer and husband Josh of Waco, TX, Karlee Reveles and husband Joey of McGregor, TX, Elizabeth Krupa and husband Tony of Hewitt, TX, Marshall Mills of Waco, TX, T.K. Engelbrecht of Valley Mills, TX Hunter Mills of Robinson, TX, and Lacee Engelbrecht of Valley Mills, TX.

Great grandchildren include Khloe (6), Ian (5), Ava (1), and Holden (1 mo).

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude and appreciation to Blue Bonnet Hospice Care. Jennifer Nobe (nurse) and Rachel Degrate (aide) have a special place in heaven for their compassion and kindness during this difficult time. Additional thanks to Ryan and Holland Humble for making it all happen. Blue Bonnet turned chaos into calm with a standard of care that provided Thelma with grace and dignity during an incredibly challenging time.