Nelda Criswell (Plainview)

Nelda Rankin Criswell died June 28, 2016 at home after a lengthy illness. Daughter Randi Webster and son Reed Criswell were in attendance. She was 87 years old. Mrs. Criswell was born in Bradshaw, TX and grew up in Plainview. The second of I.B. and Thelma Rankins’ 5 children. After graduating from Plainview High School, she attended Wayland Baptist College in Plainview, where she met T.K. Criswell. They were married in 1948 and he preceded her in death in 2013. She worked in the Plainview ISD as a second grade and junior high school teacher and administrator for over a quarter of century. She was active in First United Methodist Church, Plainview for several decades. Mrs. Criswell was instrumental in advocating for the successful integration of Plainview schools. She was the mother of four children, Rick (d. 1972), Randi, Sam and Reed; three grandchildren, Chance and Ry Webster, of Lubbock and Conor Criswell of Creedmoor, NC. She is also survived by 3 sisters. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Friday, July 1, 2016 in Plainview Memorial Park under the care of Kornerstone Funeral Directors of Plainview. The family asks that in lieu of flowers; please send donations to South Plains Food Bank, Cal Farley Boys Ranch or St. Jude Children's Hospital in Mrs. Criswell's name.