Para Nell Johnson Hurd
Para Nell Johnson Hurd was born on April 1, 1939 in Marlin, Texas to the parentage of Mr. Marvin Johnson and Mrs. Mary Lillian Paul Johnson. She was the fifth child born to this union. Nell was raised in a Christian home and accepted Christ at an early age.
She received her formal education through the Marlin School District, where she graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 1956. Following graduation, Nell used her skills and became a beautician. Later, she found a love for the healthcare industry and became a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN). Nell was a dedicated nurse and valued member of the staff at West Texas Healthcare for many years before retiring to Marlin to care for her aging parents.
She eventually moved to Fort Worth and continued to share her gift. Because of her extensive training, experience, medical knowledge and compassion Nell was in high demand as a private nurse.
Upon arrival in Fort Worth, Nell joined Antioch Missionary Baptist Church where she faithfully served on the Usher Board and in any manner she was called upon to serve, until her health began to fail. Nell was also a member of the Ft. Worth Chapter of the Booker T. Washington Alumni Club. She enjoyed the annual trips to Marlin for the school reunion.
In her search for a better life, she met and married Mr. T.G. Hurd whom she loved until God called him home in 1974. She gave birth to the beat of her heart, her only son, Alvin Ray Hurd. Nell was a proud mother and grandmother who enjoyed spending time with her son and his family.
She lived a life full of love and laughter which made her loved by everyone she met. Family members recall Nell had a great sense of humor and was someone they enjoyed being near. She was quick to give assistance and often opened her home to family and friends. Nell will be remembered as a peaceful, soft spoken, kind person who showed love and compassion to all who crossed her path.
On July 18, 2020 God stopped by Baylor All Saints Hospital and whispered her name to come from labor to reward.
Para Nell Johnson Hurd was preceded in death by her husband, Mr. T. G. Hurd; parents, Marvin and Mary Johnson; three brothers, James M. Johnson, Sr., Milton C. Johnson, Sr., Alvern “Sugar” Johnson; one sister, Mary L Thompson; grandparents, Abe and Clara (Bailey) Johnson and Jim and Pearl (Sneed) Paul.
She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted son, Alvin Ray Hurd and wife, Sherry; her twin sister, Para Lee Williams; thoughtful stepson, Leon McDonald; caring stepdaughter, Helen Maria Hurd; two beautiful granddaughters, Lakisha Brown and Jada Hurd; two wonderful great-grandchildren, Madison Brown and Von Brown; three precious step-grandchildren, Jerrel, Lestar, Yvette Renew Fisher; and a host of other relatives and friends.
A viewing was held on Sunday, July 26, 2020 at Morris-Bates Funeral Home and graveside services were conducted on Monday, July 27, 2020. The family wishes to thank the Paul and Broadus Families of Marlin for their loving and kind expressions as well as the Booker T. Washington Alumni Association for their thoughtful remembrance.