Nelda J. Townley

Nelda Townley, age 80, of Mansfield, TX, passed away July 19th , 2025 after a brief but courageous battle with cancer.

Nelda was born Oct 21st, 1944 to Milburn Eugene Reese and Ora Jane Frizzell in Denison, TX where she lived with her mother and maternal grandparents. Around age 2, her parents divorced and she was raised by her paternal grandparents in what was described as the “rock house” in Carlsbad, NM, surrounded by a busy houseful of family. She and her 2 siblings, Brenda and Gene, were raised alongside many cousins whom she considered more like siblings. She often describes her childhood and home as being full of love and lots of family. Sundays were her favorite, surrounded by family, friends, and food.

She met her husband Robert Townley at the tender age of 16 yrs old. She fell madly in love and married him in Juarez, Mexico, just 3 months after meeting at the DQ in Carlsbad. Although they had their share of tough times, they shared 45 years of adventures together. Robert’s career in the military and government, meant being stationed or finding work in states all across the US. Nelda experienced life, adventure, and memories in states such as Colorado, Hawaii, Utah, California, New Mexico, and for the last 20-ish years- Texas. They were blessed with their 2 children, Pam and Jim, along the way and raised them primarily back in Carlsbad, New Mexico, near their extended family.

Nelda was preceded in death by her husband Robert, in 2006, and great-grandson Brayden Munn in 2024. She is survived by her two siblings, Brenda Beene and Gene Reese, her children, Pamela and her husband Todd Munn, and her son James Bryan Townley. She was the proud grandmother of Shannon and husband David Macias, Brandon Munn, step-granddaughter Alicia Singleton and husband Jason, Taylor and husband James Eilts, Jaime and husband Stephen Faber, and Hunter Townley. She also leaves behind her treasured great grandchildren: Conner, Abigail, Leighton, Nora, Logan, and Mattis, and two steps Cameron and Carter all of whom were blessed by her endless love, patience, and joy.

A woman of remarkable strength, kindness, and resilience, Nelda lived a life of dignity, love, and service. She was deeply active in her church and Bible study groups and spent time giving back to her community in service, such as sewing quilts or clothes for premature babies and organizing donations for those less fortunate. She was a talented seamstress and was able to pass on these skills, with great joy and patience, to her granddaughter and great- granddaughter. Nelda also had a love for gardening and spent many hours planting and tending to beautiful flowers, plants, and vegetables. She worked alongside her son Jim, helping him in his lawn business, right until the end of her days, and often attributed this meaningful work to her ability to hold on to her active lifestyle.

Nelda was a hard worker, from her first job in her in-laws grocery store, to sewing and babysitting, and only retiring earlier this year from her role at the Walmart Pharmacy, where she worked diligently and cheerfully, making many new friends along the way. Whether she was planting gardens, working alongside her son, making a home cooked meal, or rocking a baby to sleep, she gave her full heart to everything she did. She was a care-taker at heart, selflessly pouring into others, with rarely a complaint.

She was the very best playmate to her grand and great-grandchildren- reading books, doing puzzles, playing pretend for hours, or walking the floors with little ones in her arms until they found comfort. As they grew older, the kid games turned into poker games, shopping trips, dancing in the kitchen, traveling, attending plays, or sharing a good drink and many laughs with her children and grandchildren. Her sense of humor, both intentional, and often wonderfully unintentional, brought countless hours of laughter to those lucky enough to know her. In her later years, she embraced her sense of adventure and was blessed to share travel memories with her children; going on cross country road trips, and an unforgettable Hawaii trip that included a daring helicopter ride, waterfalls, and hula dancers!

Nelda loved fiercely, gave selflessly, and carried a calming, joyful spirit wherever she went. 

She faced her final days with quiet strength and fearless peace, ready to meet her Lord and proud of the life she lived. She was grateful for the memories made, the love she gave and received, and the legacy she leaves behind.

Her memory will live on in all who knew and loved her. May we honor her by striving to embody her grace, silliness, patience, and fierce love in our own lives.

A celebration of her life will be held on Aug 1st at Blessings Funeral Home in Mansfield, TX at 12:00 pm, with a burial to follow in DFW National Cemetery at 2:00pm. There will be a viewing at Blessings Funeral home the day before on July 31st from 12pm-2pm.