Nora Eldean Miller Womack Martin

Nora Eldean Miller Womack Martin, age 96, of Gatesville, passed peacefully into the arms of the Lord on Friday, January 19, 2018. Known to all as ‘Nana’ since the birth of her first grandchild, she was surrounded daily by those who loved and cared for her. ‘Nana’ fought through many health challenges following a stroke over two years ago and was in hospice care for the last year. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 23, 2018 at Scott’s Funeral Home with Chaplain Gary Baxley officiating. Burial will follow at Restland Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral services. Eldean was born at home on November 23, 1921, the seventh of eight children, to William H. Lawrence and Deanie Millsap Lawrence in the Stampede Community of Coryell County, Texas. She was baptized at Pidcoke Baptist Church at age twelve. She was active in First Baptist Church, Gatesville, in her early life and later attended Jonesboro Baptist Church until she was physically unable. After her stroke, when she could no longer read, Eldean loved for family and friends to read scriptures on their visits. She graduated from Gatesville High School, where she was declamation champion. Eldean married a handsome young business man, Jim Miller, in Gatesville, Texas and their family grew with three children – all the while both being caregivers for their ill and aging parents and extended families. At that time, Eldean was active in her husband’s and children’s interests. She took time for her church as well as enjoyed her personal acumen for bridge, playing in several bridge clubs, often winning tournaments. Eldean’s home was the center of hospitality for her siblings and their families and countless friends for many visits over the years. Gatherings were always centered around her table, not only for food, but competetive ‘84’ games and colorful story-telling. Known for her beautiful smile and excellent cooking, Eldean made everyone feel at home. At holidays, she spent days cooking each one’s favorite dishes and then some; no holiday table was complete without Nana’s macaroni and cheese and numerous pies. Her gift of hospitality extended beyond her home; when others in the community had a need, she was the first to arrive with her warm smile and delicious food. She mesmerized all around her with exciting stories of her experiences and the many changes she witnessed throughout her life. Eldean treasured her family. Her children, daughters-in-law, son-in-law, grandchildren and great-grandchildren each shared a special bond and she loved spending time with them. All her family looked forward to the ‘Nana Breakfast’ after spending the night. Following the death of Jim, Eldean found another wonderful partner, Leo Womack. In their short time before Leo’s passing, they brought joy to each other and those around them and were quite the dancers -- winning contests at ‘senior’ events. In the twilight of her life, just before failing health, Eldean married Elliott Martin. Eldean was reunited in Heaven with her parents, seven siblings, several nieces and nephews, and her deceased husbands, Jim S. Miller and Leo Womack. Survivors include husband, Elliott Martin; children, Jim S. Miller, Jr. and wife, Joyce of Waco, Mike Miller and wife, Elaine of Gatesville, and Judy Loer and husband, Jerry of Gatesville; grandchildren, Kyle Miller and wife, Ally of Lorena, Eric Miller of Waco, Heather Wass and husband, Don of Richardson, Jay Vrba of Waco, Justin Loer and wife, Karissa of Atlanta, GA, Marc Miller of Gatesville, and Mitzy Hooks of Killeen; great-grandchildren, Gracie Miller, Luke Miller, Abby Easterling, Jacob Easterling, Gage Hooks, Greta Hooks, Audrey Wass, Donnie Wass, Maxton Wass, Madelyn Loer, Matthew Loer, Hunter Loer, Jerry Loer, Jr., and John Loer; and special friends, Billy and Andrea Nightingale. Honorary pallbearers are her grandsons and great-grandsons. The family would like to the thank staff of Kindred Hospice and The Meadows, Gatesville, TX, especially April and Dr. Nancy Clay, for their care and attention to our Nana’s needs. Donations may be made to The Gideons International to place Bibles in memory of Eldean Miller Womack Martin.