Thelma “Tam” Inez Nelson, 79, a beloved mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, and friend, was called to her eternal home on September 16, 2026. Tam was born on June 28, 1947, in McPherson, Kansas, the daughter of Mary Roberta (Baker) and Harold Wilfred Crowdes, Sr.

Growing up in Marquette, Kansas, she formed many cherished friendships that she maintained throughout her life. Friends fondly recall Tam’s home as one of their favorite places to spend the night because her mother was known for serving ice cream and Pepsi for breakfast. Tam graduated from Marquette High School in 1965, where she served as a class officer, participated in Student Council, band, and choir, and was a cheerleader. She often spoke fondly of her small hometown, where everyone looked out for one another.

Tam was a resident of Texas for most of her adult life and had lived in Schertz since 1978. Schertz reminded her of the small-town feeling she loved about Marquette. She joined Schertz United Methodist Church, where she was a proud and devoted member. Tam was a firm believer in Jesus Christ and served her church faithfully in various roles, including the Council of Ministries, Administrative Board, and United Methodist Women, just to name a few. Many of Tam’s most cherished friendships were formed through the church and the Bible Study group she attended, whose members she considered family. Reading and studying the Bible was a favorite pastime.

Tam built her career in the financial services industry, working for United Services Automobile Association (USAA), Bank One, and Frost Bank, from which she retired in 1998. Tam took great pride in providing high-quality work and upholding the highest ethical standards.

Christmas was Tam’s favorite holiday. When decorating for Christmas, she was known to “put Christmas on top of her Christmas.” and could give Martha Steward a run for her money. She firmly believed that it was better to give than to receive and took immense pleasure in giving to others. She was a thoughtful gift giver and took pride in finding just the right gift for the people she loved. Most importantly, Tam always remembered “the reason for the season” and cherished celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. During the holiday season, Tam especially loved to bake and give her beloved pound cakes as gifts to friends and family.

Baking was a true pleasure and joy for Tam. In fact, her baking was enjoyed year-round and was well known by her family, friends, and church family. Everyone looked forward to her cheesecakes and other Southern Living desserts, all baked with love.

Tam enjoyed the spring season because she planted flowers and plants around the house. She loved to yardwork and took pride in having one of the best yards in the neighborhood. When she wasn’t outside caring for her gardens, she could often be found relaxing in a chair with a murder mystery novel. Another favorite pastime of hers was playing cards, especially Bridge. She recently joined the Bridge Club at the Schertz Senior Center, an experience that brought her great pleasure and gave her another opportunity to enjoy the company of others.

Tam is survived by her daughter, Jill (Brian) Brady of Cibolo, Texas; her two grandchildren, Seamus J. Brady and Cavan J. Brady; her sister-in-law, Anita Jost of Windom, Kansas; her nephew, Randall Crowdes of Little River, Kansas; her grandniece, Angela (Nathan) Tyler of Olathe, Kansas; and two great-grandnieces.

Tam was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Fred Nelson Jr.; her brother, Harold Crowdes Jr.; her sister, Jeanette Carlton; and her brother, Jim Crowdes. She was also preceded in death by her two beloved dogs, Coco and Downey.

A church service will be held on Tuesday, September 22nd at 9:00 AM, at Schertz United Methodist Church. Fellowship and a time of sharing memories will immediately follow, with coffee and desserts—Tam’s favorites—served in her honor.

In lieu of flowers, Tam would be honored by memorial contributions to Schertz United Methodist Church, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or the Schertz Humane Society.

The next time you find yourself at Starbucks, remember Tam with her favorite drink, affectionately known as the “Tam Special”: a grande, extra-hot White Chocolate Mocha with six pumps of white chocolate mocha, topped with extra whipped cream. A special thank-you to the Schertz Starbucks team, who faithfully made her “Tam Special” day after day.

In remembering Tam, may we celebrate the faith she held dear, the love she gave so freely, and the many, many little things that made her uniquely Tam.