Nadia DeLeon Cardwell, 88, of Beaumont, died Tuesday, May 25, 2010, at Silsbee Convalescent Center.  She was born March 24, 1922, in Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands to Winnie Pearl Alley Watler and William Wade Watler. Nadia had been a resident of the Port Acres area most of her life and was a retired nurse.

Nadia lived in Port Acres and was a graduate of one of the first classes from Stephen F. Austin High School.  She was devoted to the PTA association and served as President on several occasions.  Nadia was a faithful member of The First Baptist Church of Port Acres for many years where she taught and served the Lord in any way possible.  Currently she was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Nederland.

Survivors include her son, Johnnie Cardwell, Jr. and his wife Pat of Dewitt, Arkansas; daughter, Nadia Philmon and her husband Ken of Silsbee; son, William B. Cardwell and his wife Lynda of Port Arthur; brother, Robert James Watler; seven grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; two nieces; and a nephew; as well as many friends and loved ones who will miss her greatly.

She was preceded in death by her husband of sixty-eight years, Johnnie Cardwell, Sr.; her daughter, Beatrice Bearden; and granddaughter, Brandy Kay Philmon.

Her funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 28, 2010, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont, with burial to follow at Oak Bluff Memorial Park in Port Neches.  A gathering of her family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday, May 27, 2010, at Broussard’s.

Memorial contributions may be made to Humane Society of Southeast Texas, P.O. Box 1629, Beaumont, Texas 77704 or to the charity of one’s choice.