Nelda “Jo” Pullin-Murphy, daughter of Elgie Jones Pullin and Annie Lee Taylor-Pullin passed away this past Friday, December 23, 2011.

She was eighty years of age and is survived by her three children, Marti Murphy, Timothy Murphy, Mike Murphy; five grand-children, Timi, Will, Dakota, Claire, and Michael;three great-grandchildren; and the father of her children, Dwane Murphy of Natchitoches, LA. Jo was preceded in death by her son Mark Murphy and her parents.

Jo was a native of Natchitoches and spent the majority of her life in contribution and service to her community. Graduating from Natchitoches High School she bore many honors including being a cheerleader and Homecoming Queen. In her early years she lived in the Old Natchitoches Courthouse with her parents her father served as Deputy Sheriff for the city. Years later she was interviewed about this part of her life and her story was published in the Natchitoches Parish Magazine.

She resided several years with her family in Pineville, Louisiana. A devoted mother of four children, her son Tim fondly remembers her serving as “Den Mother” when he and his brothers Mark and Mike were in the Cub Scouts in Pineville, Louisiana and how proud they were. Upon relocation to Natchitoches Jo studied and took up art and painting. One painting of the statue of “Uncle Jack” hangs in a restaurant on Front Street. In 1980 Jo would complete the Artist Residency Week Training through CART to become a Professional Residency Director. She would also become a Charter Member of the Natchitoches Art Guild.

In 1981 Mayor Joe Sampite appointed her Director of the Natchitoches Arts and Humanities Council. For her work through the Arts Council Jo received a Plaque of Appreciation and an Achievement Appreciation certificate from the Mayor and the City of Natchitoches and as a result, she was nominated for “Woman of the Year”.

In 1984, she would organize the introduction of the first Christmas poster for the community. As a result a letter from then President Billy Bryant of the Arts Council wrote that “without your involvement and considerable effort there would be no Arts Council.” When she sought to resign from her position at the Arts Council because of the strain of the obligation Mayor Sampite sent her a letter stating “you have done such an outstanding job with the Council that we will never be able to replace you, and I feel that it would just about fall apart without your expert leadership and guidance.” In 1990, Jo as Technical Director of the Louisiana School received a certificate of Achievement in Technical Theatre of the Louisiana School.

She was instrumental in trying to convert the old depot in to an art museum, working tirelessly yet this project never materialized. In 2003 Jo and another Mother who had also lost a son started Angel Connection. Angel Connection was a support group for parents that had lost their child. Mothers and Dads and their families came from other cities to attend these meetings. This group received attention all over the state of Louisiana. Candlelight ceremonies were held in different cities.

Jo moved quietly, worked hard, never seeking recognition and unbeknown to many accomplished much for the City of Natchitoches. She was a fun-loving wonderful Mother, great friend, listener, patient and kind. Her huge heart is an inspiration to all that came in contact with her. She was neither pretentious nor envious. She was a gentle soul always putting her own needs aside to reach out to others in their time of need. She will always be remembered for her soft sweet smile, giving spirit and her commitment to her children, friends and family. Favorite moments were being surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, the many road trips and vacations she took with her cousin Gwen, para-sailing when she was in her late 60’s over the pacific ocean in Mazatlan, Mexico, walking the varied beaches of Mexico, Florida, Jamaica always in search of shells which she collected and all the good times shared with her special friends Mary, Sarah, Charlene, Jo Ann, Chick, Donald, Gloria and many others.

It was when Jo was struck with health problems that her perseverance and sense of humor shone through. Striving to hide her pain her main concern was of others.

The last year of her life Jo was mostly bedridden. However, whenever her family and close friends went to WalMart they were always questioned about Jo. We were all amazed how many souls she had touched. Stories were told to us how she would bring food to the employees that worked on Thanksgiving and other holidays. When she learned an employee was ill she took a cake to them. She treaded silently.

In lieu of flowers Jo would want us to reach out and help someone. So in memory of Jo when you go to WalMart please gift a employee that you think is in need. Tell them the gift is in memory of Jo Murphy. She was the heart of her family and will be missed.

A celebration of her life will be held at the Blanchard-St.Denis Funeral Home Chapel at 3 p.m. on Tuesday Chapel. Friends are invited to a visitation with the family from 2 p.m. until service time on Tuesday at Blanchard-St. Denis.