Estelle Aud Obituary

Estelle Caldwell Aud, age 83, of Shreveport, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 22, 2025, in Shreveport. Born on May 24, 1942, in Magnet Cove, Arkansas, to the late James Lyle and Ruth Atkins Caldwell, Estelle was most recently a member of Broadmoor Baptist Church in Shreveport.

Estelle moved to Arkadelphia, Arkansas, in ninth grade, graduating from Arkadelphia High School before attending Ouachita Baptist University. It was in the spring of 1960, during her senior year, that she began dating her future husband, Tommy Aud. They were married on Thanksgiving Day, November 23, 1961, at the First Baptist Church of Arkadelphia, beginning a loving partnership that spanned sixty-three years.

Estelle was a truly wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother, always putting her family first. To know her was to love her, and her presence will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of calling her friend or family. She has been called home and is now at peace with her beloved Jesus, a faith she beautifully lived out every day.

For 32 years, Estelle was actively involved in many activities at Hunters Glen Baptist Church in Plano, Texas. She had a special passion for her leadership roles in GA’s (Girl’s in Action) and in a ladies mission group, God’s Handiwork, creating handmade items for nursing home residents, ESL students, and children’s clothing for missionaries to take overseas. She will be remembered for her smile, leadership, and her faithful servant heart. Her selfless spirit touched countless lives.

Estelle was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Jimmy and Jeff Caldwell.

She is survived by her devoted husband of sixty-three years, Tommy Aud; three cherished daughters, Tonia Sheppard of Oxford, Alabama, Pam Terronez (Gene) of Forestburg, Texas, and Danette Strickland (Ronnie) of Shreveport, Louisiana. She also leaves behind six beloved grandchildren, Jimmy Sheppard, Abby Arledge, Emily Ezell (Matt), Brandy Terronez (Mark) of Tulsa, OK, and Gene Terronez III (Alisha) of Glenpool, OK and Teal Woods (Clint); and twelve precious great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Jack Caldwell; her sister, Nelda Gifford (Jim); and a host of extended family and friends who will miss her dearly.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers at The Chateaus at Montclair, who became an extension of their family, providing loving care and meeting her every need. Special thanks also go to family friends and caregivers Stacey McGrew and Marisa Singley.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM on Friday, June 27, 2025, followed by a service at 2:00 PM at Smith Funeral Home-Ruggles Wilcox Chapel in Arkadelphia. Reverend Donny Durr will officiate. A private family burial will follow at Magnet Cove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Broadmoor Baptist Church in Shreveport, LA, Hunters Glen Baptist Church in Plano, TX, or The Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org.

Arrangements by Smith Family Funeral Home-Ruggles Wilcox Chapel, 517 Clay Street, Arkadelphia, Arkansas. www.smithfamilycares.com