Nelda Bell Khilling Lusk, a matriarch who graced the earth for 102 remarkable years, passed away on September 30, 2024, in Corpus Christi, Texas, having previously called Booneville, Arkansas, home. Born on August 16, 1922, in Sugar Grove, Arkansas, she was the eldest daughter of the late Loy Doiser and Grace Lee (Barker) Khilling. The lessons of discipline, simplicity, and hard work instilled by farm life with family shaped her strength and character for generations to come.A life fully lived, Nelda is celebrated as a devoted wife, mother, sister, grandmother, mother-in-law, aunt, and friend. A true force of nature, she danced through life with unparalleled strength. Whether toiling in the cotton fields, supporting her husband as a naval military spouse, assembling airplanes during WWII, or nourishing young minds in the Woodlawn Elementary School System (23 years), Nelda infused her days with hard work, humor, and an unwavering commitment to family.

She was a master of card games, a beloved baker, a social butterfly, and an undefeated domino champion. Nelda had a zest for travel, and her favorite memory involved an unforgettable journey to Western Europe with her eldest daughter, Rexa Lee, residing in Germany. With a twinkle in her eye, she encouraged her children and grandchildren to seek adventure in the world, proving that a passion for exploration and self-discovery runs deep in the family.

Preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charles Patton Lusk II; her brothers, Sam and Jimmy Khilling; and her sisters, June Cauthron, Johnna Faye Rice, Ann Sharp, Allene Franklin Satterfield, and, she is survived by her wonderful son, Pat Lusk of Fort Smith, Arkansas; four loving daughters, Rexa Lee Pickett (Robert) of DeRidder, Louisiana; Maggie Harper Lusk of North Little Rock, Arkansas; Sally (Frank) van Heugten of Corpus Christi, Texas; and Laura Bell (Richard) Montemayor of Corpus Christi, Texas. Nelda's legacy continues through her four beloved grandchildren: Jim Pickett of Lake Charles, Louisiana; Lee Pickett of Austin, Texas; Jacoba Johanna van Heugten of Cambridge, Massachusetts; Allison van Heugten of Joshua Tree, California; and many nieces and nephews.

A lover of dance and the simple joys of life, Nelda aspired to two-step her way into heaven—possibly even teaching the angels a thing or two about rhythm along the way. Her legacy of perseverance, resilience, and laughter will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her.

A celebration of her extraordinary life will be held privately with her family.