Elda Fay (Winslett) Lindly, 93, joined our Lord in his heavenly kingdom, on Sunday, February 11, 2024.

Visitation will be at Heartland Funeral Home in Early on Thursday, February 15, from 6-8pm.

Celebration of Life will be at Early Baptist Church on Friday, February 16 at 1 pm in the sanctuary.

Elda Fay was born January 19, 1931 to Sidney Curry Pete Winslett and Fay Self Winslett in Coleman County, Texas.

She was a spirited redhead who was known for climbing out the windows of Mozelle High School instead of going out the doors. The oldest of four children, she enjoyed basketball, roller skating and watching Friday night movies projected on the outside wall of her father’s Mozelle store.

Elda Fay married John Garland Lindly of Leaday on February 5, 1949. They had 3 children, Cynthia Lindly Locker of Brownwood, Renea Lindly Skaggs of Early and Jeffery Garland Lindly of Mansfield.

Elda Fay was a gifted and creative quilter and crocheter. She loved to teach her skills. One of the things she was most proud, were the hand sewn Christmas stockings she made for all of her children, their spouses, grandchildren, their spouses, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She made a total of close to 50.

She truly enjoyed teaching children. She substitute taught all across Brown County for over 50 years. She taught her final class at Early Middle School at age 90. It has been said that when “Mrs. Lindly” was the “sub”, there was “no messing around”. She had taught the grandchildren of some of her earlier students.

Elda Fay was a true competitor when it came to the domino game 42 & 84. Her kids and grandkids were taught early on to play 42. When each married, she insisted their spouses learn also. She would play for hours and usually come away the victor.

Above all, Elda Fay valued spending quality time with her children and grandchildren. She understood the importance of family bonds and treasured every moment she shared with them. Her love and devotion of family were evident to all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Cynthia and husband Dan Locker, Renea and husband Gary Skaggs, Jeffery Lindly and wife Tracy. Her sister, Janice and husband James Grant of Baird, and brother-in-law, Lowell Johnson of Oplin. She is also survived by 9 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren, and treasured nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John Garland Lindly; a brother, Rex Winslett; sister, Winona Johnson; and grandson, Brian Dean Skaggs.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Early First Baptist Church.

Online condolences, memories and tributes can be made to the family at www.heartlandfuneralhome.net