Eijah Nelms

Eijah Lee (Bigham) Nelms passed away Thursday January 27, at her home. Elijah was born May 14, 1919 in Marlin, Texas, to the late Elisha and Beatrice Bigham. She attended public schools in Marlin. Elijah met Freddie Nelms at a Junteenth Celebration in Marlin, Texas, and they were married on November 19, 1938. To their union was born nine children. Mres. Nelms, her husband and children moved to Midland, Texas in 1956. She was employed with several families as a housekeeper. The family united with Macedonia Baptist Church in 1957 under the leadership of the late Rev. H. F. Doyle. Mrs Nelms served as a Youth Sunday School and Baptist Training Union Teacher. She later served under the leadership of O. J. Archie, as teacher for Sr. Womens Sunday School Class for over ten years, and also was a worker in the Training Union Department, working with youth and children , preparing them for Church Congress activities. Mrs. Nelms was also a member of the Sr. Women's Mission Group for many years, and was an active member of the Lovely Sunset District Baptist Association, where she served as a teacher in the Mission Department. She also assisted her husband when he was Dean of Lovely Sunset. Her community activities included working at the Polls for Midland, County, Precent 305. Mrs. Nelms also worked with the group that organized the first Head Start Program in Midland, Texas. Elijah Nelms was a kind, gentle and quiet woman. In the 1960's she loved attending the Carver Hornet's Football games, when her sons, Larry, and Charles were team members. she always said she enjoyed the football games, but she wanted to be there if one of them got hurt. She will truly be missed by her Family, Church Family, and Friends. Her parents, husband Freddie, infant daughter, Delores, and daughter Joy Laverne, all preceded her in death. To cherish her beautiful memories, she leaves three daughters, Ruth Nelms Hemphill, Linda Nelms, and Betty Nelms all of Midland. Four Sons, Clarence Nelms of Hement, California, Charles Nelms and Larry Nelems of Midland, and Joe(Joyce) Nelms of Ft. Worth, Texas, Two brothers, Lloyd Bigham and James A. Bigham, of Monahans, Texas. Two sister- in- laws, Dorothy Nelms of Odessa, and Doretha Holmes of Waco, Texas. Eight grandchildren, Jerry Williams, Terri England, Charles Williams, Penny Griffin, Michael Nelms, Randall Nelms, Eric Hemphill and Christopher Nelms. Fourteen great-grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. To further cherish her memories she leaves many cousins, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Funeral Services will be Monday, January 31, 2011 at the Macedonia Baptist Church, 201 S. Carver, Midland, Texas. Pastor Woodrow W. Bailey III will officiate, and Eulogist Pastor Emeritus Rev. O. J. Archie. Burial will be in Resthaven Memorial Park. Pallbearers are grandsons and a great grandson of Mrs. Nelms. Services are under the direction of Thomas Funeral Home.