Audrey Nell Waits

Audrey Nell Waits was born January 1, 1934, in Pilot Point, Texas, adopted as an infant by Roy L. and Mary J. Choate. Our much-loved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother left this world to the promised glories of heaven January 4th, 2026.

Growing up with a father who worked in the oil fields meant Audrey grew up in the Texas panhandle. By high school the family had settled in Mineral Wells, Texas and during her married life she called several North Texas towns home. As a devoted wife and homemaker, her 5 children were blessed to call her mother. When the children grew older, she sought work outside the home and spent years working in the banking industry. She loved travel, RV camping, gardening, golf, playing cards or dominos with friends, reading and oil painting.

During her lifetime of service to the Lord, she was a devoted and respected member of several churches. She was a current member of Walnut Ridge Baptist Church in Mansfield, Texas. Her faithful and joyful service to the Lord’s work included Sunday School and VBS Teacher, Choir Member, Pianist/Organist and Committee member on various committees including Finance, Building and Leadership Search Committees. 

Audrey was preceded in death by her parents Roy L. and Mary J. Choate, her sister Etta McCarty, her husband Elmer R. Waits (D.2010), previous husband Otis F. Smith, Jr. (D.1985), a son Otis F. Smith III and a grandson Brett Maddux.

Audrey is survived by her children - Linda K. Nelson, Stephen D. Smith (Vicki), Patrick L. Smith and Phillip D. Smith (Patricia), her step-daughters - Linda Kamau, Marsha Dickerson (Stan) and Patricia Maddux, 13 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren.