Nila Boddie, 94 (born 07/19/1931) of Lufkin, TX passed away on Saturday, January 03, 2026. Her Homegoing Service will begin at 11am on Saturday, January 10, at Burke Baptist Church - 3855 Tidwell Rd, Burke, TX 75941. Her Interment will be held at Whitehouse Cemetery - 416 Whitehouse Dr, Lufkin, TX 75901.

Nila Joyce Boddie, age 94, passed away peacefully on January 3, 2026, in Lufkin, Texas, surrounded by loved ones. She was born on July 19, 1931, and made her home in Burke, Texas, where she built a long and productive life grounded in strength, determination, and deep devotion to family.

Well into her 80s, Nila carried herself with confidence and pride. She loved to dress well and never missed the chance to ask a waiter how old they thought she was, always enjoying the reaction. She had a flair for making an entrance and was known for arriving a little late, always with presence and personality. She had a strong character and was never afraid to be herself.

In the 1960s Nila opened and ran Boddie’s Shoe Store, the largest shoe store in Lufkin at the time. She took great pride in her business and loved when former customers recognized her years later. People remember the free t-shirts she gave with purchases.The most popular was “Get your boots at Boddies!” Hard work and independence mattered to her, and she carried those values throughout her life.

Nila never stopped challenging herself, she earned her red belt in Tae Kwon Do, a personal achievement that reflected her discipline, ambition, and refusal to slow down simply because of age.

Later, Nila worked for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice in Huntsville as a medical records clerk, handling death row medical records. While working at the Duncan Unit in Diboll, she often sang to the inmates, offering moments of kindness and humanity where it was least expected.

Family was everything to Nila, especially her grandchildren. She made it a tradition to take each grandchild on a summer trip after high school graduation, a gift of time, love, and memories that became a lasting part of her legacy. Through those experiences she traveled the world.

Her love extended beyond people. She had a deep affection for animals and rescued many dogs over the years. Her home was filled with pets, including dogs, cats, pigs and parakeets. One parakeet was even taught to say, “Memaw’s home.” Caring for animals was part of who she was.

Faith remained a constant throughout Nila’s life. She was a faithful member of Burke Baptist Church for over 60 years and read her Bible daily. Her faith guided how she lived and how she cared for others. When someone needed support, she showed up and stayed. Her love was steady, practical, and unwavering.

Nila will be remembered as a woman of strength, determination, and deep love. She lived with purpose, stood firm in who she was, and cared fully for those around her. Her legacy lives on through the family she raised and the lives she touched.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Burke Baptist Church, 3855 Tidwell Rd, Burke, Texas. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., followed by the ceremony at 12:00 p.m. Officiating will be Letster Hudson and Robert Jones.

Pallbearers will be Wesley Raines, Timothy Raines, Kevin Grant Jacks, Brett Raines, Colten Horton and Logan O’Neal.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Benton Bryan Franklin and Sarah Margret Franklin; her sisters, Dovie F. Franklin and Lillian Geneva Franklin Armstrong; and her brother, John Earnest Franklin.

She is survived by her daughters, Belinda Jacks of Arlington and Beverly Petty and her spouse, Jonas, of Apple Springs; her grandchildren Elizabeth Long and her spouse Ricky of Arlington, Kevin Grant Jacks of Grand Prairie, Melissa Wilson and her spouse Ronnie of Lufkin, Wesley Raines of Lufkin, Amanda Dowdy and her spouse Greg Dowdy of Burke, and Timothy Raines and his spouse Karlie of Lufkin; her sister, Sadie Jones, and her spouse, J.T., of Burke; her great-grandchildren T.J. Horton, Colten Horton, Victoria “Tori” Horton, Brett Raines, Braden Raines, Tanner Williams, Logan O’Neal, Todd Raines, Tripp Raines, Charlie Long, Fletcher Long, and Josie Long; her great-great-grandchildren Harper Raines, Jessie Raines, and Haizley Raines; and numerous nieces and nephews who will forever carry her love and example with them.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her memory to Winnie Berry Humane Society of Angelina County Pet Adoption Center, 1102 N. John Redditt Drive, Lufkin, Texas, or by phone at 936-639-1880.