Nedra Dee Gaulden, age 86, of Quitman, LA, peacefully entered the arms of Jesus on Tuesday, September 22, 2026.

Born on October 17, 1939, in Chatham, LA, Nedra is preceded in death by her loving husband of 60 years, Robert Lane Gaulden; parents, Elsie and W.N. “Bob” Heflin; and her sisters, Norma Jean McKnight and Nelda Hollis.

Those left to cherish her memory are her children: Lisa Jones (Kenneth) of Clay, Terri Adams (Jeff) of Arcadia, Lori Howard (Ricky) of Quitman, and Craig Gaulden (Rami) of Forney, Texas. Mrs. Gaulden was blessed to have ten grandchildren: Mitchell Jones (Misty), Philip Jones (Kelly), Amy Rowe (Corey), Caitlin Fursov (Michael), Danica Norred (Jerry), Jennifer Howard, Chelsea Moore (Isaac), Tanner Howard, Katie Staton (John), and Blake Gaulden. She was also blessed with fourteen great-grandchildren: Bryce Jones, Sarah Jones, Lily Jones, Kenzlie Jones, Ruger Jones, Shane Rowe (Sadie), Luke Rowe, Eli Rowe, Emma Rowe, Benjamin Fursov, Hannah Fursov, Ari Fursov, Gatlin Moore, and one Moore on the way. She will also be lovingly remembered by her brother Roger Heflin (Sue) of Quitman, and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.

Mrs. Gaulden was a homemaker who wholeheartedly devoted herself to her husband and children. Nedra was a faithful member at Hodge Baptist Church for 60 years, where she was a long-standing member of the Character Builder’s Sunday School Class, served in Hearts of Light ministry, where she cooked and delivered meals, served on the kitchen and decor committees, as well as assisting with arts and crafts during VBS. Nedra had a self-proclaimed black-belt in shopping, and she enjoyed reading, crafting, listening to music from a variety of artists (namely Elvis, Neil Diamond, and Wayne Newton), cutting up with her best friend Jo Ann Brinson, and trying out new recipes. Her culinary skills were vast, and her made-from-scratch chicken & dumplings, fried peach hand pies, fried chicken, and holiday dressing will be especially missed. Never did a holiday go by where leftovers weren’t sent home in cool-whip or butter containers she saved specifically for that purpose. She loved to see her food enjoyed by her family. Nedra herself loved partaking of her favorite food, Johnny’s Pizza, and getting as many toppings as she could.

Mrs. Gaulden enjoyed visiting Gatlinburg, TN, Branson, MO, and Asheville, NC alongside her husband Robert, where she enjoyed shopping, museums, watching a variety of music shows, and visiting Dollywood, Silver Dollar City, and the Biltmore Estate multiple times throughout the year.

The children would like to especially thank Anna Abney for taking such wonderful care of Mother. Anna was a source of blessing and joy to her and made the days pass in comfort with her presence.

The visitation and funeral will be held on Friday, September 25, 2026 at Hodge Baptist Church, Hodge, LA , with visitation from 9am-10am and the funeral service beginning at 10:00 AM, Friday with Bro. Craig Stephens officiating.

Burial will follow at 11:30 AM in Antioch Cemetery in Quitman, LA under the direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Ruston, LA.

Serving as pallbearers will be Tanner Howard, Mitchell Jones, Philip Jones, Luke Rowe, Eli Rowe, Shane Rowe, Corey Rowe and Blake Gaulden.

If you would like to leave an online memorial message for the family, please visit: www.owensmemorialfuneralhome.com.