08/21/2026
Mary Lucille Nelms
Mary L. Nelms was born April 21, 1949, to Lilar Lucille Proctor and Sammy Davis “S.D.” Flax Senior in Mexia, Texas. She was the second eldest of ten children.
She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Sammy D. “Bug” Flax and Randy Karl Flax, and two great-grandsons, Bakari Anthony and Zaire Tristan Williams.
On Wednesday, August 19, 2026, Heaven’s Gates opened wide to receive one of God’s daughters, Mary L. Nelms. Mary walked into the arms of her Heavenly Father.
Mary graduated from Ector High School in 1967.
She was united in Holy Matrimony to the love of her life, Morris St. Clair Nelms, May 24, 1969. To this union two daughters were born, Minister Shelby Diane Nelms and Lacy Carol Nelms, both of Euless, Texas.
Mary was a firm believer in Our Lord Jesus, and she accepted HIM as her personal Lord and Savior at an early age. She was a faithful member of Greater Walker`s Chapel Living Vision Ministries Church of God In Christ (COGIC) under the leadership of Pastor James Porter and First Lady Carolyn Porter.
Mary was a dedicated and hardworking woman who took pride in her career and the contributions she made throughout her working years. She began her career with the Mayflower & Storage Company, where she worked for one year before joining Texas Instruments, where she was employed for five years. She later began a long and meaningful career with Medical Center Hospital, where she faithfully served for approximately 10 to 15 years before retiring. Even after retirement, Mary remained committed to serving others and continued working with Ector County ISD as a bus monitor for three years. Her strong work ethic, dedication, and willingness to serve were a testament to the kind of person she was and the positive impact she made throughout her life.
Mary enjoyed life to the fullest and found great joy in the simple pleasures that made each day special. She cherished spending time with her family and creating lasting memories with those she loved. She also enjoyed working in her yard and gardening, taking pride in nurturing the beauty around her home. Music brought her great pleasure, especially the soulful sounds of Motown and her beloved Temptations. Mary also loved cooking, shopping, watching Westerns on TV, and traveling, embracing opportunities to explore new places and make wonderful memories along the way. One of her favorite pastimes was cheering on her beloved Los Angeles Lakers, a team she faithfully enjoyed watching. Through these passions, she found many reasons to smile and share her joy with others.
Celebrating the memories of Mary are her loving and dedicated husband, Morris; devoted daughters Shelby and Lacy Aaron, both of Euless, Texas. Two grandchildren and one great-grandson who lovingly called her NaNa, Kayla Marissa (Tariq), Kendall Michelle and Hayden Josiah; five sisters Irish and Pamela, of Garland, Sandra of College Station, Donna and Marilyn (Carl) Medlock, all of Odessa; two brothers Edward (Betty) of Pearland, and Larry of Odessa; sister-in-law Shirley Nelms Marshall of Dallas; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
Visitation will be held Wednesday August 26, 2026 from 1pm to 9pm with a Prayer Service at 7pm at Martinez Funeral Home, In The Inside Chapel at The Dixie Location,
A Celebration of Life will held Thursday August 27, 2026 at 10am at Greater St. John`s Baptist Church, located at 212 S. Muskingum Ave. Odessa Texas 79761, with Reverend: E. J. Miller Officiating ,
Interment to follow at Ector County Cemetery The Odessa II section.
At The Nelms Family`s Request They are asking to Please Attire in Black and Yellow,
Services are Entrusted to Martinez Funeral Home The Dixie Location.
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