Nelda Perez Utley, 77, a retired Benavides ISD teacher, passed to her heavenly home Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at her home in Corpus Christi, Texas. She was preceded in death by her husband Willie S. Utley, son William Joseph Utley, parents Eliseo and Celia Perez, brother Eliseo Perez, brother-in-law Joe Villarreal, brother-in-law James "Jimmy" Utley, and sister-in-law Clara Geraldine Utley.

In 1964, Nelda married the love of her life, Willie S. Utley. They were married almost 52 years. From this union came two wonderful sons, William Joseph Utley, and John Edward Utley. Nelda was a wonderful mother and grandmother. Nelda deeply loved and was extremely proud and dedicated to her sons. She adored her grandchildren, Jewel Yliana Utley, J.W. (John William) Utley, Javier Miguel"Goose" Guerra and Mia Izabela Garcia. Nelda was a significant role model who instilled education and work ethics in her sons and grandchildren.

Nelda was a graduate of William Adams High School in Alice. She earned her Bachelor's Degree from Texas A&I in Kingsville. She also earned a Master's Degree from Texas A&I. Nelda worked at Benavides ISD for 34 years, where she was a teacher who was cherished and loved by her elementary students.  She participated in professional organizations and was a member of the Catholic Daughters of America.

Nelda is survived by her son, John Edward Utley (Zaida Trevino Utley), daughter-in-law Clara Guajardo Utley, and her beloved grandchildren. She is also survived her brother and sisters Carlos (Maribel) Perez of Killen, Texas; Luis (Mari Carmen) Perez of Phoenix, Arizona; Elodia Villarreal of Corpus Christi, Texas; and Emma Cuellar of Corpus Christi, Texas.

Brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law include Pili Perez of Madrid, Spain; Rita (Adolph) Gonzalez from Corpus Christi, Texas; Susana (Robert) Amaya from Manchaca, Texas; Marie (Jim) Alday from Sneads, Florida; Lupita Utley of Concepcion, Texas; Joe Martin (Melinda) Guerra from McAllen, Texas; and Oscar (Connie) Utley of Newark, California. Nelda is additionally survived by many other relatives and friends.

All Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, March 7, 2024 at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 5620 Gollihar Rd; the Holy Rosary will be recited at 1:00 p.m. and the Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 1:30 p.m. in the Church with the Reception to follow immediately after, in the parish hall.

Guardian Funeral Home - Corpus Christi, entrusted with arrangements