Honoring the Legacy of Nelma Juarece Weatherly
Nelma Juarece Weatherly believed in the power of education to change lives.
Born March 23, 1930, in Woodbine to John Madison and Viola Hawkins, Juarece grew up on her family's Grade A dairy farm. The work ethic and attention to detail she learned there stayed with her throughout a twenty-nine-year career at First State Bank in Gainesville and decades of community service.
A Life Rooted in Community
On September 16, 1950, Juarece married William H. "Bill" Weatherly Jr. at Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church. Bill worked at National Supply and ranched, while Juarece became a familiar face at First State Bank. For nearly three decades, she served customers who were also neighbors, helping families with everything from business loans to first mortgages.
The Weatherlys were known for their hospitality. Their farm welcomed visitors, and Juarece brought that same warmth to her work and her community involvement. She understood that rural communities thrive when people look out for each other.
Quiet Dedication
Juarece served for years as Secretary and Treasurer of the Nelson Grove Cemetery Association, keeping meticulous records and ensuring the grounds remained well maintained. She was active at Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church, where her faith guided her commitment to service.
Her approach was straightforward: see what needs doing and do it well. Whether at the bank, the cemetery, or church, Juarece showed up and took care of business without seeking recognition.
Investing in Students
When Juarece passed away on December 3, 2017, she left behind an endowment gift to First Baptist Church of Gainesville that established the Weatherly Scholarship in 2018. The scholarship provides financial support to local students pursuing higher education.
Juarece had watched talented young people in the area struggle to afford college. She knew that financial barriers often stood between students and their goals. The scholarship she created addresses that gap, making college more accessible for students who might otherwise have to postpone or abandon their educational plans.
Continuing Her Work
The Weatherly Scholarship reflects the values Juarece lived by: hard work, community investment, and belief in education as a path forward. Each year, students receive support that helps them pursue degrees and build futures in their chosen fields.
Juarece spent eighty-seven years serving Cooke County. Through this scholarship, her commitment to helping others reach their potential continues.
Purpose & History
The Weatherly Scholarship was established in 2018 through a generous endowment gift from Nelma Juarece Weatherly to First Baptist Church of Gainesville. The scholarship's mission is to provide financial assistance to deserving students in Cooke County, Texas who demonstrate academic achievement, financial need, and strong character.
How the Endowment Works
The Weatherly Scholarship is funded through an endowment, which means the principal gift is invested and preserved, while the investment earnings are used to provide scholarships each year. This approach ensures that the scholarship can continue supporting students in perpetuity, creating a lasting legacy that will benefit generations of Cooke County students.
Awards are distributed annually to qualified applicants based on academic achievement, financial need, and letters of recommendation. The scholarship supports both first-time college students and previous recipients seeking to renew their awards.
The Weatherly Scholarship Team
The Weatherly Scholarship is administered by a dedicated team of volunteers who review applications, assess eligibility, and select scholarship recipients. The team is committed to carrying forward Mrs. Weatherly's vision of making higher education accessible to deserving students in our community.
Team members bring diverse backgrounds in education, finance, and community service. They carefully evaluate each application to ensure that scholarship funds are distributed fairly and in accordance with the program's mission.
The selection process emphasizes academic achievement, financial need, and the applicant's potential to succeed in higher education and contribute positively to their community.
Our Commitment
We are committed to:
- Providing fair and transparent evaluation of all applications
- Supporting students who demonstrate both financial need and academic potential
- Maintaining the integrity of the scholarship program
- Honoring Mrs. Weatherly's legacy of community service and educational support
- Helping students achieve their educational and career goals
If you have questions about the scholarship or the application process, please contact us. We're here to help.