Maudie Syble (Walden) Gilstrap

Maudie Syble Gilstrap, age 94 of Woodway passed away Monday, February 27, 2023 at a local hospital. Services will be 11:00am Sunday, March 5, 2023 at Grace Gardens Funeral Home, with Pastor John Rambeau officiating.

Maudie Gilstrap was born in Alexandria, LA on December 30,1928 to Selma Elsie and Melvin Mervine Walden. She grew up in Kilgore, TX where she attended school.

She worked in her parents grocery stores, delivering groceries to customers at a very young age. As she grew into a teen, she worked the check out and helped to stock the stores at night after closing. As a beautiful teen, her handsome prince came calling after WWII! On October 3, 1946, she became the bride of Claude Osha Gilstrap. She and Claude resided in several areas of Texas and settled in Waco in 1954.

Upon moving to Waco, she along with Claude, established their own grocery store and market of which they operated together for a time.

She possessed the gift of hospitality and all were welcome to the Gilstrap home and kitchen where something good was always cooking! She was famous for her amazing cinnamon rolls!

She was the beloved wife of Claude (C.O.) for almost 57 years upon his passing. She was a loved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and great great grandmother.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Melvin and Elsie Walden, brothers; Charlie, Ed, Melvin Henry and sisters; Sally, Mary Ann. She was also preceded by her husband Claude, grandaughter Regina Gilstrap Newton, great grandaughter Kelsey Maria Gilstrap.

She is survived by son Gene Gilstrap, daughter and son in law Shirley and Donnie Tidmore. She is also survived by brothers Kenneth, Ronnie and sister Wanda.

Mrs. Gilstrap will be lovingly remembered by her family and friends with a special place in the hearts of her 8 grandchildren; Glenn, Chad, Shawna, Tony, Justin, Brandi, Kristen, Lauren along with their families.

The Gilstrap and Tidmore families wish to express the deepest gratitude to Wesley Woods Nursing Home for their loving care of Mrs. Gilstrap over the past years.

A special thank you to Hillcrest Scott & White Hospital, 6 North unit along with hospice for the constant love and attention to Mrs. Gilstrap in her last days. The family also wishes to express our sincere thankfulness to Grace Gardens Funeral Home for their tender ‘after care’.