Nelda Wimberly

Nelda Heidemann Wimberly, 91, of Burton, wife of T. W. Wimberly, passed away May 2, 2011 at her residence. Funeral services are scheduled for 11 a.m., Thursday, May 5, 2011 in St. John''s United Church of Christ in Burton, with Pastor Glen Schoeneberg officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends and relatives from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Wednesday evening at Memorial Oaks Chapel. Nelda was born February 7, 1920 in the Sandy Hill Community of Washington County, Texas to Fritz and Bertha Reue Goeking Heidemann. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Sandy Hill by Rev. Paul Czerkus. At the age of 17, she worked at the Ben Franklin Department store in Brenham. Later, she moved to Houston and worked for National Biscuit Co., J. C. Penney Dept. Store, and later for Southwestern Bell Telephone Co. as a long distance operator. On August 27, 1947, Nelda was married to T. W. Wimberly in Houston at Zion Lutheran Church by Rev. Reck. Nelda and T. W. resided in Houston for 41 years. When Nelda started having her family, she retired from full-time work and sold Avon products part-time, so she could remain at home and raise her family. She was "Room Mother" for her three children while they attended Peace Lutheran and Woodland Acres schools. Nelda and T.W. were members of Peace Lutheran Church in Houston, where she was a member of the choir. In 1984, Nelda and T. W. moved permanently to Burton, Texas, where they enjoyed their retirement years. Nelda and T.W. have been members of St. John''s United Church of Christ for over 20 years. She was a member of the St. John''s Ladies Circle, and served on the Funeral Group Food Serving Committee. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, and served as a chairman for over 16 years. Survivors include her husband, T. W. Wimberly of Burton; sons Thomas Wayne Wimberly and Michael Ray Wimberly; daughter, Sandra Kay Wimberly, all of Houston; granddaughters and their spouses: Kimberly and Dr. Robert Lambeth and Brandi and Jeff Gilliland of Katy, and Shari and Richard Crispi of Mt. Belvieu; four great-grandchildren: Crystal Neely, Ashley Gilliland, Zachary and Lindsay Lambeth, and a sister-in-law, Margaret Heidemann of Dallas. She was preceded in death by her parents, nine brothers and five sisters. Nelda would also like to express her loving friendship with Betty Loth and Cheryl Harris, companions of her two sons. Nelda leaves us with many beautiful memories of her Christ-centered life. She loved music and loved to dance, sing, cook and bake. She loved everything, especially the Houston Astros. Taking care of her plants and flowers were favorite pastimes. Decorating for the holidays brought her great pleasure. She loved life and she loved people. She will be greatly missed by her family, and all who knew her. Serving as pallbearers are Charles Schlottmann, Richard Crispi, Dr. Robert Lambeth, Jeff Gilliland, Ed McClendon, Kenneth Heideman, Bill Wray, and Mark Cook. Memorials may be directed to St. John''s United Church of Christ Building Fund, or to Hospice Brazos Valley. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 West Main, Brenham. To post a tribute to the family, visit www.memorialoakschapel.com.