Gayvenda Kessler, 65 of Midland TX passed away August 31, 2019. Services will be held Saturday, September 7, 2019 at 2:00 pm at the Nally-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home located at 3800 N. Big Spring St., Midland TX. 79705.Gayvenda was born June 16, 1954 at Fort Dix Military Base in New Jersey to parents E.M. and Melva Rogers.Gayvenda attended school in Midland TX through the 11th grade. Her first public art show was at age 13. She attended Texas Tech yearbook workshop and was awarded a trophy for the best yearbook cover design for the Catoico Midland High School yearbook 1970-1971. She graduated high school from San Marcos Baptist Academy in 1972 where she was voted “most beautiful”. She attended San Miguel De Allenda Art Institute in Mexico majoring in Fine Arts and was also voted “most beautiful”. Gayvenda went on to pursue her education in Fine Arts, attending the University of Texas in Austin, TX, South West Texas University in San Marcos, and North Texas State University in Denton, TX. She also studied Fine Arts at Midland College in Midland, TX and UTPB in Odessa, TX. After completing her studies, she went to work as a supervising draftsman for various oil and gas companies for 20 years in the Midland area, retiring in 2004 due to health issues.After retirement, Gayvenda turned to her flair for the arts and became an accomplished artist after studying under well-known Midland artist, Elda Prickett. She enjoyed painting multiple genres from the abstract to the mountainous terrain and regional cactus of Big Bend Texas. She brought Big Bend to life through her personality and love for the area. She was featured in several art shows highlighting her talent in the Midland-Odessa area and was presently secretary of the Midland Arts Association. Gayvenda’s talents also include recent certification as a certified Rakia Master. She changed the lives of others through sharing of her experience, strength and hope.Gayvenda is survived by her son, Josh Kessler (Michaela); five grandchildren, Grayson, Olivia, Max, Danny, and Veronica of Round Rock, TX; mother, Melva Rogers of Wingate, TX; sister, Kim Menchaca of Abilene TX., Uncles, Cloy Allen of Temple, TX., James H. Bryan of Austin, TX., Lonnie Rogers of Athens, TX., and Doyle Rogers of Crane, TX; niece, Melia Strong of Graham TX; nephew, Nick Menchaca of Bryson, TX., and numerous great nieces, nephews, and cousins.She is preceded in death by her father E.M. Rogers.The family would like to express their gratitude towards Cimarron Place Staff, Hospice Care of Midland, and her many friends.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, and the Lone Star Animal Sanctuary of Midland.Services are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home and Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.,
