Nella Faye (Garner) Peebles

Born June 12, 1934 in Beeville, Texas, Nella Faye Garner Peebles, age 87 years, entered her eternal home in glory Tuesday, February 1, 2022.  She was surrounded by her loving family and friends in her Grand Prairie home of 62 years at the time of her passing.

This south Texas lady, known as “Nana” to most, was a devoted homemaker, beloved wife, loving mother, adoring grandmother and great-grandmother.  Additionally, she was known as the Avon Lady of Grand Prairie - working hard for over 40 years sharing her products and beauty tips to make one lady at a time beautiful inside and out.

Nana was a faithful and active member of Calvary Baptist Church in Grand Prairie, Texas for over 62 years where she enthusiastically served in various capacities.  Nana was a master teacher – but not in the traditional sense.  She taught others by living a Christ-like example.  Her legacy is the epitome of a true disciple of Jesus.  She loved the lovely and unlovely, she selflessly gave to those in need, she encouraged the broken-hearted, and she did whatever was required in service to her Lord.  Nana worshipped her Savior passionately.  She would often be seen standing, clapping, hand-raising or shouting hallelujah when the Spirit moved her.

And . . . for 15 years, who could ever forget her special place in Calvary’s Judgment House Heaven scene?  Nana had her particular chair, padded and fluffed to perfection, sitting beneath the KING OF KINGS banner wearing a white robe holding a beautiful baby.  Countless numbers of people who passed through the portals of heaven having known the loss of a child were deeply touched and wept at her sensitivity toward that baby she so adoringly held.  The very thought of babies in heaven . . . she made it real.

Nana was a servant at heart.  Ask anyone who knew her.   Serving others joyfully with a pure heart was her calling.  Whether it was family, friend or unknown person in need – nurturing, giving, encouraging, loving, doing . . . whatever was needed . . . she was willing.  This spirit of servanthood was manifested throughout her community as well as through a myriad of roles at her church.  She attended church every time the doors were open. She served 40 years in VBS, decades of serving as Sunday School Secretary, years of WBYC, attending every service of the World Baptist Fellowship.  She loved her Preacher boys.  She visited the lost – the unchurched – the grieving family – the forgotten elderly.  Nana attended most every wedding and baby shower loaded with gifts in hand.  She served in the church kitchen for all sorts of events.  She brought her famous homemade lemon meringue or coconut pie or goulash to hurting families.  She was real through and through fueled only by her love for Jesus and others.  “To Be Like Jesus”was a favorite song she not only sang but aspired to live.

Tears came easily to Nella Faye; happy tears and sad tears.  She was full of compassion.  Her tears genuine, she knew how to weep when others wept and rejoice when others rejoiced.  But, never more so than when she prayed.  Nana was an old-fashioned prayer warrior.  She loved talking to Jesus.  He was so real to her; she would talk to Him anytime, anyplace, anywhere.  She knew how to storm the gates of heaven with Biblical fervent prayer; every request saturated in tears from her heart.  When she said she would pray for someone – you could count on the fact that she did!

One of Nana’s most enduring characteristics was loving others.  One scripture Nana often quoted was John 13:35, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”  She lived her life focused like a laser on loving others because her heart was so full of loving Jesus – it was a natural overflow.

“A friend is someone who knows the song of your heart and can sing it back to you when you forget the words ...” This beautiful quote perfectly describes Nana’s neighbor, Ilda, who came into her life just 4 years ago.  Nana was struggling with early symptoms of the dreaded disease dementia which ultimately claimed her life.  So God placed this precious lady in her direct path at just the right time.  Nana needed Ilda.  Ilda needed Nana.  Nana had planted the seeds of loving service her whole life and now through Ilda, she was reaping a timely harvest.  Their hearts were in tune.  Words cannot express the love and appreciation Nella Faye’s family has for Ilda’s many kindnesses and love poured out on their mother during her great time of need.  Jackie and Kami say, “Thank you Ilda, from the bottom of our hearts”.  Additionally, the family wants all who have poured out their love, prayers, showered Nana and them with many gifts of kindnesses to know that these acts of compassion are greatly appreciated.

Through all the storms of her life, Nana remained happy “in Jesus”.  She depended on Him through every trial of life.  For 5 years, she cared for her invalid husband.  Though very difficult at times, she would testify God never let her down.  Not once.  She was always eager to share her story of how He had carried her through.  Also, living with a disabled foot her whole life caused great discomfort, pain and very little selection for beautiful stylish shoes.  Now, just imagine her with gorgeous shoes dancing on the streets of gold to some Southern gospel happy-clapping, foot-stomping song - breaking free - running to meet her sweet mama, her love Chuck, her dear Kerry, beloved sisters and brothers, precious friends Jane, Billie, and so many others.  But . . . ultimately resting in the arms of her Savior, Jesus.  What a glorious day!!

Nella Faye Peebles lived her whole life well – never wavering.  Her earthly life was full of all the things that count for time without end. God has blessed her richly.  On this side of eternity, we shall miss you dear Nella Faye “Nana” Peebles.  So long until we meet again!

Nella Faye is preceded in death by her parents, Dolf and Buena Garner, her husband Chuck Peebles, son-in-law Kerry Pennington, sisters Alva Waggoner, Dee Peeler, Ruth Brundrett, brother-in-law Calvin Brundrett and brother DL Garner.

She is survived by her loving and attentive daughters Jackie Pennington, Kami and husband Brian Anderson; adoring grandchildren Ashley and husband Gibb Contreras, Jerod Pennington, Meagan and husband Gerbrand “G” Haasbroek, Drew Anderson and wife Jade; 7 precious great-grandchildren, Elijah, Cooper, Maddox, Kaydence, Ella, Charley, Landry, and many nieces, nephews, extended family members and a large host of friends.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service for Nella Faye Peebles will be held Saturday, February 12th at 10 am at Calvary Baptist Church, 401 West Church Street, Grand Prairie, Texas 75050 with Pastor Brian Loveless officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that all memorial donations be made to:  Isaiah 117 House – Dallas County.  Visit website: @Isaiah117houseDallasCoTX (linktr.ee)