In loving memory of

Nelda Joy Cravey
March 27, 1930 - July 14, 2019

Nelda Joy Gentry Cravey, 89, passed away July 14th in Pflugerville, Texas. Nelda was born on March 27, 1930 in Houston, Texas to Arva and Lucille Gentry. Nelda graduated from Reagan high School in 1948. She met her lifetime Love, David O. Cravey in 1947 at the Love baseball diamond in Houston. Dave knew after a "four-minute conversation" that Nelda was the one, and they married on a very hot day, before air-conditioning, in Houston on August 4, 1951. Dave hocked his clarinet to buy his "used" A&M senior boots and hocked his boots to buy Nelda her wedding ring. True love. As David served in the Air Force, they shared great adventures building their life together while living in San Antonio, Georgia, Lubbock, South Carolina, Germany, France, the Air War College at Montgomery, Alabama, and various other military installations, before moving and building their dream home in Lost Creek subdivision in Austin in 1975, where they resided for over 42 years. She and Dave would have celebrated their 68th anniversary on August 4th of this year.
Early in marriage Nelda worked for Texaco before focusing all her life to her family. Nelda was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother with a true servant's heart. Her family was her priority and she served them tirelessly. She was described as a "bumble bee" full of energy and activity, constantly working and doing for her husband, her daughter Cathy, and her sons Daniel, and Matthew. She didn't enjoy being a passive participant, as she always wanted to be one of those serving and loving on others. Nelda not only served her family but her community. She was recognized by Seton Main for having over 10,000 volunteer hours in the Intensive Care waiting room. She had over 5,000 volunteer hours at other various hospitals across the nation over the years. Nelda was also a member at Westlake United Methodist Church, with her husband.
Nelda was proceeded in death by: her father, Arva Estes Gentry; her mother, Lucille Cox Gentry; her beautiful beloved daughter; Cathy Lynne, brothers; Payton Gentry, and Arva Estes Gentry, Jr.. Nelda looked anxiously forward to seeing them all again.
She is survived, loved, and will be missed by her husband and love Col. David O. Cravey of Austin, Texas; a son Daniel Steven Cravey and wife Lorna of Corpus Christi; a son Matthew David Cravey and wife Gina of Canyon, Texas; grandchildren; Derek Rowe, Sarah Cravey Ochsankehl and husband Andy, Logan Cravey, Morgan Cravey, Jennifer Angelini, Travis Cravey, and great grandchildren; Carter Rowe, William, Madeline and Samantha Ochsankehl, and Liam Angelini.
Nelda and Dave will always be grateful to Jonna Wilson and North Austin Senior Living for their selfless care and love.
One on Nelda's friends described her as her family remembers her: "Nelda was one of the sweetest, kindness, bravest people I have had the pleasure of knowing. She faced any issue with dignity, grace, and with sweet countenance and is an inspiration to me."
Nelda will always and forever be Dave's "Punkin".
Visitation will be held 2:00pm, Sunday July 21, at Westlake United Methodist Church. Funeral Services will follow at 2:30pm.
In lieu of flowers please consider honoring Nelda with a gift to Halcyon Hospice of Austin, 8133 Mesa Drive Suite 208, Austin Texas 78759. (512) 815-9009

Tributes

Paul Price wrote on Jul 29, 2019:

"Matt we are thinking of you guys, I know your mom had to be proud beyond belief of you. Sounds like a great woman of God "

Jonna Wilson wrote on Jul 27, 2019:

"We love Nelda..even knowing her for just a couple of months she showed me a reflection of my real mom. She is so special to me and to North Austin Senior Living. She and Dave are very easy to care with and always appreciate anything and everything you do for them. She will be truly miss, our prayers for you will give you comfort with Our Almighty Father."

julie hicks wrote on Jul 22, 2019:

"The family of Elmer Apel wishes to extend our deepest sympathies to the Cravey family. Our father Col Apel often spoke highly of Nelda and Dave and had the utmost respect for her. May God give you strength and your fond memories give you comfort "

Janice Cravey wrote on Jul 21, 2019:

"My sincere condolences to Dave and the family on Nelda's passing. Dave and Nelda are very special to me. May God wrap his arms around her loved ones during this time."

Matthew Cravey wrote on Jul 19, 2019:

"Absolutely the best mom any child could ever have. I can't wait to see you again in your glory momma. Matthew"

Christine Julien wrote on Jul 18, 2019:

"Hello Matt, please accept my condoleances. "Seasons of life...." Christine Julien"

Mary Lou Batlan wrote on Jul 17, 2019:

"We love Nelda and will miss her, too. With sympathy, prayers, and love, Mary Lou and Westlake United Methodist Church"

Tom O'Meara wrote on Jul 17, 2019:

"Dave, I am sorry to hear of the loss of your Nelda. Y'all have been an example of marital fidelity and community service to all of us. My family will be praying for yours. Tom O'Meara"

Becky Heard Fike wrote on Jul 16, 2019:

"Oh how much Nelda meant to me, she and Dave were such wonderful friends/family to me. Sincere condolences to Dave and her family. Becky Heard Fike"

Lee Guillory wrote on Jul 16, 2019:

"Hi Dave: Please accept my condolences. I know exactly what you are going through, as I lost my wife Helen in May 2019 to breast cancer. Please know Nelda has no pain, gets to re-unite with her parents ad is smiling down on you and your family! Your friend, Lee Guillory "