Nellie Wilhelm, of Nazareth, Texas, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 5, 2025, in Dimmitt at the age of 91. A rosary service will be held on Thursday at 6 p.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church in Nazareth, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday at 2 p.m., celebrated by the Rev. Arokiaraj “Raj” Samala and Deacons Bob Birkenfeld and Joe Hochstein. The burial will take place in Holy Family Cemetery, with arrangements entrusted to Colonial Funeral Home.
Born on Jan. 26, 1934, in Nazareth, Nellie was the daughter of Hubert and Josephine (Brockman) Braddock. Raised in the community of Nazareth, she graduated from Nazareth High School in 1952. On Feb. 15, 1954, she married the love of her life, Jerry Wilhelm, with whom she shared 57 years until his passing in 2011.
Nellie’s life was characterized by her unwavering dedication and resilience. After losing her mother at a young age, she learned the values of tenacity and resourcefulness early on. Her career began as a “candy striper” at the Tulia hospital, but her most cherished role was that of a devoted mother. Shortly after her marriage, she embraced motherhood while also contributing to the family farm. Nellie became the proud owner of The Home Mercantile, the only grocery store in Nazareth, which she operated for over 20 years. Her passion for caring for others led her to work as a Certified Nursing Assistant, and she continued to serve her community through the Holy Family Meals on Wheels program, sharing her love through her culinary talents.
A true servant of her community and church, Nellie wasdevoted to her home parish, Holy Family Catholic Church, and involved in various organizations, including the American Legion Auxiliary, Nazareth Senior Citizens, Christian Mothers, and the Catholic Daughters of America, where she was recently honored for her many years of dedicated service. Known for her warm heart and generous spirit, she was famous for her delicious cinnamon rolls, sauerkraut, fried pies, and caramel corn, often using her beloved Watkins spices and vanilla to enhance her family’s recipes.
Family gatherings were a highlight of Nellie’s life, where her love shone brightly, whether through her playful competitiveness in games or her knack for spoiling her loved ones with hearty meals. She was a source of joy and strength, cherished by all who knew her.
Nellie is survived by her five sons, Weldon Wilhelm of Nazareth, Franklin Wilhelm of Luling, Texas, Kenneth Wilhelm, Wayne Wilhelm and wife Melanie, and Brent Wilhelm and wife Lindsay, all of Nazareth; four daughters: Christine Acker and husband Kevin of Nazareth, Margie Barlow and husband Keith of Midland, Elaine Hillin and husband Cliff of Lubbock, Dr. Elizabeth Matos and daughter-in-law Faye Wilhelm,both of Amarillo. She leaves behind 20 grandchildren: Patricia Acker, Nicole Walls and husband Cory, Carissa Wilhelm, Edward Wilhelm and wife Tiffany, Jeremy Wilhelm, Christopher M. Wilhelm, George Acker, Christopher Matos, Jeanette Salguero and husband David, Brian Acker and wife Shelby, Jeremiah Wilhelm, Alexandra Matos, Allen Acker, Caleb Hillin, Hayden Hillin, Jesse Acker, Pierce Wilhelm, Kennedy Wilhelm, McKinley Wilhelm and Grant Wilhelm; and eight great-grandchildren, who will carry her legacy of love forward. Nellie is also survived by her two sisters, Evelyn Rossi of Tulia and Jimmie Schulte of Nazareth, as well as sisters-in-law Irene Wilhelm of Nazareth and Esther Braddock of McKinney.
She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; her two sons Albert and Harold; a son-in-law, Dr. Gregorio Matos; a daughter-in-law, Liberty (Bhet) Wilhelm; two brothers, Vernon and Pat Braddoc; and a sister, Norma Schacher.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be, made to Holy Family Cemetery in Nazareth, Holy Family Meals on Wheels in Nazareth, or to any Ronald McDonald House. The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Country View Living for their compassionate care during Nellie’s final months.