In July, Bradford Baptist Church celebrated 80 years of membership for Wilma “Nadean” Goad Stuart. Nadean joined Bradford Baptist Church on July 19, 1942. She gave her life to Christ at the age of seven. Her parents, Buck and Carlene Goad, sent her to church even though they did not attend because it was important to them that their children went. She and her siblings, Ella Jean and Buck, would walk a mile to church. Ella Jean and Buck also became lifelong members of Bradford Baptist Church.
Nadean married Wayne Stuart on March 12, 1951, just four days before her 16th birthday. They have been married for 71 years working side-by-side their entire adult life. They have grown and cared for cotton and soybeans, chopped and hauled wood, raised cattle and raised a large garden. Work has always been a team effort with them.
Nadean has worked in the church nursery her whole married life and many kids have been blessed by her love. She has also taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. In addition to the nursery, she is well known for her work in the church kitchen, where she has worked many hours. She is always gracious and shares her cooking during potlucks and feeding families when they have lost a loved one. She has always been one of the first to arrive and the last to leave.
The Stuarts have two daughters, Melissa and Phyllis. Wayne, Melissa and Phyllis were all baptized at Bradford Baptist Church on Jan. 1, 1967. Wayne later became a deacon of the church. Melissa and Phyllis are also active members of the church, teaching children in Sunday School and Children’s Church.
Nadean feels she has been very blessed in life. She has 5 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren.
