Mary Nell Elmore Brandon December 29, 1906 - October 10, 1990
Strength and honor are her clothing; she shall rejoice in time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom and on her tongue is the law of kindness. She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also; and he praises her: "Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all." Proverbs 31:25-29
Mary Nell Elmore, fourth child of 10, born to Elihu Handy and Nellie Ratliff Elmore in the winter of December 29, 1906. She was known to her family and friends as "Mattee" or "Massey". She dearly loved her siblings and often talked about their lives as children. She never once mentioned bad times or hard times. It was just a way of life and survival. Her most vivid memories were about the kind of transportation the family used when they were children. It was a paddleboat that was used to cross the river and bayou from Clark's Plantation into Town. None of the children could swim. She would laugh softly and say, "but they could surely paddle the boat."
Mary Nell or "Mama" as she was called by her children and grandchildren was a life-long member of Saint Luke Baptist Church. She worked most of her life as a domestic to support her family. She loved to cook delicious meals and bake mouth-watering cakes for her family. She also passed on her joy for baking and making candy to her granddaughter Temia. In her younger days, she loved gardening, and had cultivated a small vegetable garden on a patch of land behind her home. But more importantly, in her own quiet way she loved and worshipped God. She is the mother of two sons, Delmas Green and Prince Wren, Jr. She later married Ira W. Brandon who died in 1960.
She was also the Godmother of Eric Handy Wilson. He is the son of her sister Sadie. On October 10, 1990, the Lord whispered in her ear and told her it was time to come home, that her work on this earth was finished. Still, her legacy lives on. She was 84 years old. Mama is surely missed by all her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and other family members. She lives today in our hearts and in our minds.
Mary Nell or "Mama" as she was called by her children and grandchildren was a life-long member of Saint Luke Baptist Church. She worked most of her life as a domestic to support her family. She loved to cook delicious meals and bake mouth-watering cakes for her family. She also passed on her joy for baking and making candy to her granddaughter Temia. In her younger days, she loved gardening, and had cultivated a small vegetable garden on a patch of land behind her home. But more importantly, in her own quiet way she loved and worshipped God. She is the mother of two sons, Delmas Green and Prince Wren, Jr. She later married Ira W. Brandon who died in 1960.
She was also the Godmother of Eric Handy Wilson. He is the son of her sister Sadie. On October 10, 1990, the Lord whispered in her ear and told her it was time to come home, that her work on this earth was finished. Still, her legacy lives on. She was 84 years old. Mama is surely missed by all her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and other family members. She lives today in our hearts and in our minds.
The Children & Grandchildren
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Delmas Green, her eldest, married Genevieve Williams of Morgan City. They had two children, Pamela and Delmas, Jr. Mama raised Pamela and Delmas, Jr [Brother] from very small infants after the separation of their birth parents. Her mother, Nellie, helped to raise Pam until God called mama Nellie home. They too resided in Patterson.
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Prince Wren, Jr., Mary Nell's youngest son, was married to the late Maggie Parsons of Berwick, Louisiana. They have 4 children Andrea Temia Wren Smith, Allegra Michelle Wren, Donna LaRae Wren who resides in New Orleans, and their brother Dana Lance Wren. Prince's grandchildren are:
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Memories
Mama's Favorite Soap Operas:
The Edge of Night, Secret Storm, Days of our Lives Favorite Sitcom: I Love Lucy Favorite Movie: Imitation of Life Favorite Gospel Singer: Mahalia Jackson Favorite Scripture: Psalm 23 Favorite Hymns: I Come to the Garden, Precious Lord & At the Cross Favorite Color: Blue Favorite Flower: The Easter Lily |
Reflections
Andrea Temia Wren Smith, Granddaughter - One of my fondest memories of my grandmother was the summer she took me to Galveston, Texas to visit my uncle Dell. I was only four or five then but I remember vividly the all night bus ride on the Greyhound bus, the soft feather pillow she brought along for me to lay my head on and the sandwiches and sodas she brought along for us. My cousins, Pam and Brother were already in Galveston visiting their dad.
I remember my uncle's beach house only a few yards from the beach or Gulf waters. My grandmother, cousins, and I would spend all day at the beach. I remember holding on for dear life to a rubber tube while the gulf waves seemed to sweep and toss us every which way but loose. I can see her in my mind's eye even now sitting on the beach watching every move we made. I had to wear rubber flip flops because I remember there was prickly grass or "cuckle buds" that would sting the soles of your feet. I had so much fun during that trip that memories of it still linger in my mind. My grandmother"Mattee" was blessed with a quiet, peaceful and giving spirit and a kind heart. I remember her strength and fortitude to tackle whatever life brought her way. In my grandmother's care there was never a doubt in my mind that I was loved and protected. I have been blessed beyond measure to have her as my grandmother. I love and miss her dearly. |