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Nelda Merle Brunson, aged 90, affectionately known to her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchild, and many others as Nannie, closed her eyes at her home in Fate, Texas on March 23, 2020, and opened them again in the arms of her Heavenly Father. She was born August 24, 1929, to William D. Haddock, a cotton gin foreman, and mother Nunia M. McMannus in Ridgeway, Texas. She attended High School in Roxton, Texas and worked in the cotton field until she married Curtis Brunson on November 27, 1946, after he returned home from his service in the U.S. Army. In Curtis’ words, when Nelda saw him driving up the road she dropped her hoe right there in the field and never went back to get it. They made their home on Esta Buena Drive in the historic Casa Linda neighborhood of Dallas, Texas where they raised two boys until moving to Mesquite, Texas in 1967. After several years as a homemaker, Nelda began her career as a Credit Analyst for First Citizens Bank in 1962, and retired in 1988 from Southwest Bank in Mesquite, Texas. She was known for always hosting the family gatherings, cooking, and of course, her pies. She was faithful to her church, loved her Sunday School class, and added her beautiful alto voice to the church choir. When she wasn’t cooking or at church, Nelda could usually be found in her flower garden or cleaning her home. Nelda was preceded in death by her parents: William D. Haddock and Nunia McManus; and five sisters: Shirley Speight of Commerce, Texas, Helen Harris of Dallas, Texas, Tricia Belcher of Commerce, Texas, Marguerite Clinton of Commerce, Texas, and Oleta Arrington of Commerce, Texas. She is survived by her loving husband: Curtis Brunson of Fate, Texas; brother: W.D. Haddock of McKinney, Texas, sister: Oretha Isaaks and husband Kyle of New Braunfels, Texas; two sons: Edwin Brunson and wife Debbie of Canton, Texas, and Rick Brunson and wife Vicki of Fate, Texas; grandchildren: Toni Betts and husband David of Middletown, Delaware, Kelly Haack and husband Chris of Rockwall, Texas, Clint Brunson and wife Brittany of Fate, Texas, and Melody Backus of Royse City, Texas; great-grandchildren: Troy and wife Chelsie, Bailey, Brooke, Bethany, Emily, Benjamin, Brianna, Levi, Jonathan, Kaylynn and Jacob; one great-great- grandchild: Addison; and many beloved nephews, nieces and cousins. The family would like to thank Hope Healthcare Hospice, especially Lucretia and Kara, for loving our Nannie like family.

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Nelda Merle Brunson

August 24, 1929 - March 23, 2020