Nelda Moody

Nelda Elizabeth Whiting Moody was born on September 30, 1943, in Washington, Texas, to the late Thomas Godfrey and Addie Whiting. From an early age, Nelda’s love for learning, leadership, and service shaped a life of purpose and impact.

Her educational journey began at Post Oak Ridge Elementary School under the guidance of her Aunt Nettie Hogan—who also gave her the name Nelda. She later attended Pickard High School, where she was an active member of the basketball team and the 4-H Club. Following high school, Nelda pursued her passion for beauty and creativity at cosmetology school in Houston. Her academic path continued at Texas A&M University in College Station, where she earned a degree in education.

Nelda devoted her professional life to nurturing young minds. She began her teaching career as a third-grade teacher at Sul Ross Elementary in the Bryan Independent School District and retired from Mary Branch Elementary after 24 years of service. Even after retirement, she continued to tutor and volunteer in classrooms for another decade. Her teaching philosophy centered on the belief that every child has the potential to succeed when given the right support and encouragement. She created warm, inclusive classrooms where students felt valued and inspired to learn.

Outside the classroom, Nelda was a gifted writer and the author of more than a dozen books, including her acclaimed work Sweet Pain. Her love for reading, writing, and travel enriched her life and shaped her literary voice. Drawing from her own experiences, she crafted stories that resonated deeply with her readers.

Nelda was also a dedicated community member. She volunteered at local libraries, participated in book clubs, made costumes for her church’s Easter play, and supported organizations that promoted education and the arts.

Nelda confessed her faith in Christ at an early age and was baptized at St. Matthews Baptist Church in Washington, Texas. She later became a member of St. Matthew’s Baptist Church in College Station. In time, she and her husband Jerry became devoted members of Living Hope Baptist Church in College Station, under the leadership of Rev. Allen Pittman. There, they worshipped faithfully and shared meals and fellowship with their beloved church family.

Nelda shared a loving marriage with Jerry Moody, and together they raised a beautiful family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, known for her unwavering love and commitment. She found immense joy in spending time with her grandchildren—whether sending Valentine’s Day gifts, baking cookies, sharing stories from her youth, or solving Sudoku puzzles in the backyard. Each moment was a treasure she held dear.

Her wisdom and compassion left a lasting impression on all who knew her. With an unshakeable faith as her foundation, Nelda inspired others through her actions, reminding them of the enduring power of love, family, and life’s simple joys.

She leaves to cherish her memory: her beloved husband, Jerry Moody; sons Walter “Todd” Howard and Wayland Moody (Latisha); daughters Mia Moody and Ashley Moody Kelsey (Mike); brothers Warren G. Whiting (Ann), Charles E. Whiting, and Stanley W. Whiting; sisters Bessie Finley (Eddie), Lorraine Washington, and Rubye Randle (Thomas); and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Nelda was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas Godfrey and Addie L. Whiting; her first husband, Steve Howard, who tragically lost his life in the Vietnam War; her daughter, Kiki Regina Howard; her sister, Thomye Steen; and her brothers, Wilfred, Reginald, and Johnny Whiting.

Nelda exemplified the power of education, creativity, and compassion. Her legacy will live on in the countless lives she touched as a teacher, author, mentor, and matriarch.