Nelda Earl Ballard

Nelda Earl Ballard, 87, of Oakdale, Louisiana, passed away peacefully in the early hours of Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at home with her family by her side. She was born on July 12, 1939 in Mabb, Louisiana, to Roy Leonard Earl and Nellie Francis Mathews Earl.

Raised in Elizabeth, Louisiana, Nelda built her life on a deep and abiding faith in Jesus Christ. She was a faithful member of Mt. Hope Baptist Church, where she served as the church pianist for many years. Her quiet devotion to the Lord shaped every part of her life, and those who knew her saw the fruits of her faith reflected in the way she lived, with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. She was a genuinely selfless woman whose greatest priorities were her Savior and her family.

In January 1959, while attending McNeese State College, Nelda's cousins, the Gueringer brothers, picked her up at the bus station in Oakdale and brought her to a service at Mt. Hope Baptist Church, where they introduced her to Tommy Ballard. They were engaged in February, and married in March. Together they shared 67 years of marriage, building a home centered on faith, love, and family.

Nelda devoted much of her working life to caring for and encouraging children. She retired from Oakdale Elementary School after 30 years as a teacher's aide. Following her retirement, she worked with the Allen Parish Council on Aging before returning to Oakdale Elementary, where she found joy in working with special-needs children. Whether at school, church, or home, she was known for her selflessness and willingness to serve others.

She also found happiness in the simple pleasures of life. She enjoyed crocheting, and spent many quiet hours making hats, scarves and blankets for family, friends, and those in need. She was gifted with many talents, and generously used them to serve others. Cooking, sewing, needlepoint, cross-stitch, decorating cakes, and various crafts were among her many talents.

She treasured every opportunity to spend time with her children, grandchildren, and the generations that followed. Her family was the joy of her life, and she delighted in watching it continue to grow. Her home was a joyful place filled with love and laughter. There was always a pot on the stove and room for one more at the table.

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 67 years, Tommy Ballard; her children, Jeff Ballard (Tyrelle), Jenai Ballard, Jodie Schindler (Steve), and Curt Ballard (Chris Godell); her grandchildren, Brandon Ballard, Mandee Willis, Felicia Stapleton (Rodney), Maggie Willis, Hailey Jeziorski (Lee), Chase Willis (Lisa), Laura King (Korey), Mary Ellyn Willis, Alden Vincent (Blake), Annie Schindler, and Colt Ballard; 26 great-grandchildren; 7 great-great-grandchildren; her brothers, David Earl (Pat) and Olin Earl (Eileen); her sister, Margaret Laurence (Mike); her sisters-in-law, Glenda Ballard, JoAnn Ballard, Connie Ballard, and Jackie Ballard; and her brother-in-law, Olin Ballard.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Roy Leonard Earl and Nellie Francis Mathews Earl; her brothers, Wayne Earl and Roy McDaniel, Jr.; her son-in-law, Gene Willis; and her great-grandson, Kech Stephenson.

Her funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Mt. Hope Baptist Church, 2557 LA-372, Oakdale, Louisiana 71463. Burial will follow in Beaver Creek Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Visitation will be held at the church on Friday, July 24, from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., and will resume Saturday from 8:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are her grandsons, Brandon Ballard, Chase Willis, and Colt Ballard, and her great-grandsons, Treven Ware, Nicholas Strother, and Tucker Jeziorski.

Honorary pallbearers are her great-grandsons, Tristan Ballard, Cruz Ware, Brayden Ballard, Trooper Jeziorski, Bradee Stephenson, Tommy “Tip” Potts, Murry Willis, Charlie Picard, and Cleve Vincent.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Jodi Burnette, lovingly known as her "third daughter," for the faithful love, friendship, and compassionate care she gave Nelda during her final years. Her kindness was a lasting comfort to both Nelda and her family.