What an imposing and commanding name! pontificating on high from her throne, relishing in that persona, indeed coveting it.

That was my first impression when I heard it, still have that same impression but with meaning to back it up now.

I didn't know Nell for near as long as many of you but she did leave a presence in my life. I became related to her due to my marriage to her nephew Fred in 1993. He loved her of course and that in itself was a testament to her being. I also was given tidbits of information from other members of the family including my mother in law - her sister Jewell, and her niece Cordelia, Fred's sister.

Being like most matriarchs in a family, she had opinions, some not main stream, all definitely her own. I felt that to be true when I met her in person and had already figured out that we two were viewed in much the same ways for the way we present ourselves. Strong women have that on their side and to their detriment at times.

I never encountered Nell without her being absolutely immaculately groomed, poised and ready for a conversation. I was able to observe her in her interactions with others and I was impressed that no matter how small the encounter, she demanded your full attention and gave hers. That comes from being a definite person.

I also had a connection with Nell of a somewhat ironic sort in that several of my aunts in the Dallas bell Telephone Pioneers worked with Nell and knew her for many years. These women are all much like Nell for being unique to their times.

I understand that Nell was quite the dancer in her day and that appealed to me on a personal level as that is one of the things in life I enjoy immensely. I imagine her in the dress of the day breaking hearts.

Nell was an excellent cook and often sent family members lovely things to eat and enjoy at the holidays. She sent me a lovely crystal bowl out of the blue simply because she wanted me to have it as a reminder of her. I use it for special occasions and imagine her using it at some formal dinner or party she held.

My thoughts of her now envision her sitting with her God and having a wide spread conversation – most probably about politics – and God being totally entranced by her as we all have been for so many years. Indeed, he will have to be on his toes.

God speed Nell.

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