A lifetime resident of Picayune, MS, Cora Nelle was preceded in death by her parents, W.E. “Bill” Moody and Estelle Farr Moody; her brother, Thomas Herbert Moody; and her husband, Turner Joseph Deshotel.
She is survived by her daughter, Jo Deshotel Davis; and her son, Steve Edwin Deshotel and his wife, Kay. God blessed her with 5 grandchildren, Daphnie Beebe, Tammy Huff, Eric Davis, Christie Deshotel, and Joey Davis. She also leaves behind 10 great grandchildren, Brooks, Brittany, Rachel, Rebekah, Blaine, Brandon, Drew, Kaley, Courtney and Caleb, along with 9 great great grandchildren.
Cora Nelle earned her registered nursing degree from Charity Hospital, New Orleans, LA, in 1948, where she worked until returning to Picayune to nurse at Martin Sanatorium in 1951, and then to L.O. Crosby Memorial Hospital (1954-1988). She will be remembered as the emergency room R.N. In 1978, she and God founded and supervised Crosby Home Health Care. Cora Nelle also taught EMT and paramedic training courses at Pearl River Community College and Stennis Space Center, during those years.
She was very active in her community, volunteering at Vacation Bible School. Cora Nelle was a past president of Picayune PTA, Picayune Civil Air Patrol, and Picayune Band Boosters, and a member of the DAR. She attended Liberty, New Palestine, Goodyear, and Unity Baptist Churches during her life time.
Cora Nelle and her husband were charter members of the 1874th AEB WWII Veterans Reunion Group and she worked diligently to plan Annual Reunions in different cities throughout the US, thus reuniting a Band of Brothers and Sisters/ as family.
God gave Cora Nelle many blessings. She was able to travel with her husband in their camper through 49 states and 2/3rds of Canada. She was able to cruise the seas to the Caribbean Islands. She marveled at God’s nature. She loved to fish. Cora Nelle explored new talents and enjoyed woodworking. She became passionate with painting on canvas and sketching on drawing pads, and hosted a paint group in her home for several years. She would paint from her mind’s eye and make copies of her artistry to give away.
Cora Nelle’s devotion to our Lord, her faith, family and friends, stands as a testament to her life. She touched so many lives with her warm, unfailing positive thankful, and giving heart.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, September 14, 2016 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at McDonald Funeral Home, 401 West Canal Street, Picayune, MS
Celebration of Life Services will be held Thursday, September 15, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Unity Baptist Church, 3334 Hwy 43 North, Picayune, MS.
Interment will be in the Unity Baptist Church Cemetery.
Rev. Shad Kennedy, Rev. Arlis Grice and Rev. Bud Putnam will officiate the services.
In lieu of flowers, the desire of Mrs. Deshotel is the donation of Gideon Bibles to further the Word of God.
Obituary, register book, and driving directions can be found on the Internet page at www.mcdonaldfh.com.