Eula Dean Abbott

Violet Eula Dean Abbott passed away on May 5, 2026, just three weeks shy of her 106th birthday. Dean lived a life filled with faith, laughter, beauty, creativity, and unwavering trust in God.

Dean was born in Mena, Arkansas, to John Milton and Ida Mae Harrell on May 26, 1920. She moved to Newcastle, Texas, in 1923, where she lived until 1952. She married Joe Ed Creed on April 17, 1939, and together they had three children: Karen Jo Walker, Glenda NaDean Tomerlin, and Lloyd Edward Creed.

In 1952, she married James E. Abbott, and they moved to Mineral Wells. There, J.E. bought her the home of her dreams — complete with her very first indoor bathroom — and she never moved again. She became a beloved member of the community and worked for Century Flight Systems for 30 years building autopilots before retiring in 1985.

Dean was a devoted member of Immanuel Baptist Church and loved the Lord deeply. Even after turning 100 years old, she hosted weekly Bible studies in her home and faithfully attended church whenever possible. Her faith guided every part of her life.

Known lovingly as “Nanny,” Dean will be remembered for her beautiful zinnia gardens, handmade Christmas ornaments, colorful style, joyful spirit, and kind heart. In 2025, the city honored her by declaring May 26th officially “Dean Abbott Day.”

Dean was preceded in death by her husband, J.E. Abbott; her daughter, Glenda Tomerlin; her son-in-law, Paul Walker; a grandson, a great grandson, a great great grandson, her siblings, and many lifelong friends. She often joked, “I have lived so long, all my friends in heaven are going to think I didn’t make it!” But we are certain they were waiting joyfully at Heaven’s gates to welcome her home and walk with her to see her Jesus.

She is survived by her children Karen Walker and Lloyd Creed and wife Dawn; her son-in-law Tommy Tomerlin; seven grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and 28 great-great-grandchildren.

A lifetime of sewing and crafts created treasured memories for her family. For over 20 years, she lovingly made handmade Christmas ornaments that will be cherished for generations. Many family members now have entire Christmas trees decorated with Nanny’s ornaments. Her final ornament, a rocking horse, was completed in 2025.

Her favorite names were Nanny, Dean, and Mom. She adored her calico cats — Prissy, Muffin, Candy, and Mitzy — believing calicos were the prettiest of all. Most of them lived to be 15 years old. She was also known as “The Zinnia Lady” because of the beautiful zinnia bed that bloomed beside her driveway each summer.

Her family and friends were richly blessed by her long and beautiful life, and her legacy of faith and love will continue for generations.

Please join the family for visitation at Baum-Carlock-Bumgardner Funeral Home on Monday, May 11, 2026, from 6:00–8:00 p.m., and for her funeral service at Immanuel Baptist Church on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Serving as pallbearers will be her grandsons, who were deeply loved by their Nanny.