Nelda (Wells) Spears Obituary (1946 - 2018)

Nelda Wells, the only child of Adolphus Wells and Lucy Jean McArthur Wells. She attended the Austin Public Schools graduating from the Original L.C. Anderson High School. While at Anderson High School a lifelong group called "The Mags" was formed. Nelda was a charter member of the group and she remained active until her death. She went on to Fisk University in Nashville, Tenn., where she earned a bachelor's degree in English. Nelda Spears completed her graduate studies at Memphis State University, where she earned a master's degree in communication. After graduating from Memphis State University, she became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. She was a life long member of the Greater Mount Zion Baptist Church. Her family and her church were always first, and she loved them deeply. Nelda was a compassionate woman, dignified and completely dedicated to public service. There are millions of stories in our city of people she helped, cared for and loved. She married Joe Allen, to this union one son, Trent Adolphus was born. Later she married, Anthony Spears, to this union one daughter Amy Virginia was born. Nelda filled many leadership roles in state government, working at the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, Texas Department of Community Affairs, Texas Land Office. She was elected Travis County Tax Assessor Collector for five consecutive terms. She was dedicated to her staff, committed to hiring quality people and was passionate about giving county residents exceptional customer service. Nelda was also involved in community service holding leadership roles with the Austin Women's Center, the NAACP and the Texas County and District Retirement System. She was preceded in death by her father, Adolphus Wells and her mother, Lucy Wells, her husbands, Joe Allen and Anthony Spears. She leaves to cherish her legacy, one son and daughter-in-law, Trent and Lacy Spears, one daughter and son-in-law, Amy and Larry Toney, seven grandchildren, Trent Allen-Spears, Jr., Malik Allen-Spears, Lucyjean Trennette Spears, Lauren Ann Allen Spears, Theodore Leo Allen Spears, Madden Marie Toney, and Aiden Michael Toney and one sister-cousin, Robbie June McArthur, and a host of other relatives and friends.