Nelda Jean Wagoner

Nelda Jean Wagoner was born April 18, 1940, to Roy Lee and Nellie Morrison Lipham in Matador, Texas. She attended school in Matador and loved her role as a guard on the Mighty Matadors basketball court. Nelda married the love of her life, Bill Wagoner on December 7, 

1957. Their marriage lasted for almost 40 years until his death in 1998. 

Nelda was a devout Christian and accepted Jesus as a young girl. She spent her adult life either attending or teaching bible studies, serving her church in leadership roles, or attending conferences and Christian concerts. Nelda was a licensed minister and was involved with Walks to Emmaus for many years. 

She shared her love of flowers with others by working at Petals and Pearls for several years. In her leisure she sewed, crocheted or embroidered many lovely gifts she gave family and friends. Her passion was her family, and she cherished making memories with them. 

Nelda departed this life on December 29, 2024, at the home of her son Andel in San Angelo, Texas. 

She is preceded in death by her husband Bill, father, mother and five brothers – Fred, Norman, Julian, Leroy and Doyle Lipham. 

She leaves two sons and a daughter: Billy Dean Wagoner (Angela) of Athens, Texas, Andel Gean Wagoner (Debra) of Ozona, Texas, and Marla Cook of Brady, Texas. 

She is further survived by one brother, Wayne Lipham (Beverly) of Springtown and two sisters, Wanda Willard of San Angelo, Texas and Idabell Ewing of Pasadena, Texas. 

Nelda cherished her grandchildren. She leaves behind 38 grandchildren and 45 great-grandchildren. Nelda cherished spending time with them and hearing about their adventures. 

A service will be held at 3 p.m. on Thursday, January 2, 2025, at First Baptist Church in Ozona, Texas. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at a visitation from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Ozona, Texas.