Nadine Armene Gray Mobley
Brothers and sisters, we gather today not in sorrow, but in celebration of the life of a remarkable woman, Nadine Armene Gray Mobley, affectionately known to many as Ma Kettle. This child of God, born on the 18th of June 1932, in the humble surroundings of Dickens County near Spur, Texas, has been called home by our Heavenly Father on the 22nd of November 2024, in the loving community of Andrews, Texas. Ma Kettle, as she was fondly called, lived a life that was a testament to the virtues of faith, love, and joy. She walked through this world with a spirit that could light up the darkest room, with a heart so loving it could warm the coldest of days. Her faith was as steadfast as the ancient oak, unyielding in the face of life’s storms.
Nadine’s journey on earth began as the youngest daughter of Hugh Gray and Ora McMahan Gray. She grew up alongside her three brothers and seven sisters, learning the values of hard work and family unity. Although she was preceded in death by her beloved husband C.M. Mobley, Jr, her son Ronnie Dale Mobley, her grandson Steven Mobley, her parents, brothers, and sisters, her legacy lives on through her family. She leaves behind a rich tapestry of love woven through the lives of her sons, David Wayne Mobley and his wife Treva (Denver City), Jerry Paul Mobley and his wife Denise (Snyder), and Terry Mobley (Gatesville). Her memory will be cherished by her 16 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren, who will continue to walk in the light of her example.
Nadine’s education at Plains High School laid the foundation for a life filled with entrepreneurial spirit and community service. She was salutatorian of her class and cheerleader for the Plains Cowboys. She went to state competition in shorthand. She was voted class favorite and most popular all four years of high school, football queen for 2 years and FFA Sweetheart. She was a good friend and one classmate in later years remarked that half of the senior class would not have graduated if not for her helping them.
She married C.M. Mobley, Jr. January 1, 1950, in Lovington New Mexico. They moved to Andrews, TX in October 1975. She owned and operated Ma Kettle Bakery for 27 1/2 years and was an excellent baker. She was known especially for her poundcakes. Prior to opening the bakery, she was a pink lady for Permian Medical Center. She worked with Boy Scout Troup 46, helping two of her grandsons attain the rank of Eagle Scout. She was an excellent seamstress teaching 4-H students to sew and cook. She volunteered at the Life Center of Andrews. She was a member of the Maranatha Assembly of God Church where she taught the Senior Adult class naming her class “The Mustard Seed Class”.
To speak of Nadine is to speak of a woman who was spirited in her joys and steadfast in her trials, loving in her embrace and faith-filled in her walk with the Lord. Her presence was a blessing, her laughter a hymn, and her guidance a sermon of its own. Let us not weep, for to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. We know that our sister Nadine has been welcomed into the arms of our Savior, where she rests in eternal peace and joy. Her life was a tapestry of love and service, each thread a story, each color a memory that will live on in the hearts of those she touched. As we bid farewell to this precious soul, let us carry her spirit with us. Let us bake with love as she did, sew the tears of the brokenhearted with compassion, and volunteer our hands and hearts to serve our communities. Nadine Armene Gray Mobley, Ma Kettle, our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, you have run the good race, you have kept the faith. Now, a crown of righteousness awaits you. In the words of the Good Book, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant... enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” May we all find comfort in knowing that Nadine is now experiencing the fullness of that joy. Amen.
Family and friends gathered to celebrate her life at 2:00PM, Friday, December 6, 2024, at the Maranatha Assymble of God with Pastor Charley Garcia officiating. She will be laid to rest at the Andrews County Old Cemetery. Visitation was held from 4:00PM8:00PM, Thursday, December 5, 2024, at McNett Funeral Home. Arrangements are under the personal care of McNett Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Life Center of Andrews.
