Charles Bernard Nero

Charles Bernard (“Brother,” “Mon,” and “Chief”) Nero transitioned into eternal life on July 4, 2020 at the age of 96. He was the son of the late Jake Nero and Octavia Shelmire Nero. He was predeceased by his sisters Ethel and Helen, and his brother Clarence. He was the faithful, loving husband to the late Mary Bumpus Nero for nearly 62 years. Brother Nero is survived by his son Dr. Charles I. Nero, son-in-law Dr. Baltasar Fra-Molinero; grandsons Carlos and Bernardo; beloved goddaughter Cheniere Rene Douglas Thomas; a host of cherished nieces and nephews, grand-nieces and nephews, kinfolk, and friends. Born in 1924, in the small town of Clinton, Louisiana, at an early age after the tragic death of his father, his family migrated to New Orleans in the midst of the Great Depression. Despite the obstacles of intense poverty, soul-crushing racism, and the death of his youngest sister who was killed by a speeding car, he and his family perservered. He was raised in a Christian environment. As a child he attended Philips Memorial Methodist Church. He and his wife became lifelong members of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, first at Garner Memorial (1954-1961) in Decatur, Alabama and at Calvary Tabernacle (1961-2020) in New Orleans where he served as a member of the choir, the financial secretary, and president of the Steward Board. Education played an important role in Brother Nero’s life. He was a proud graduate of the then newly built Booker T. Washington High School. He graduated from Alabama A&M University in 1951 with a BS in Social Studies and Physical Education. At Alabama A&M he was lauded as a singer and a gifted athlete, earning letters in football and track. He earned an M. Ed from Southern University in Baton Rouge in 1972. He did further studies at Indiana State University, SUNO, Delgado, and Xavier University. His teaching career spanned over forty years including tenures at New Hope Elementary School near Huntsville, Alabama, at his beloved Ralph J. Bunche Junior High (later Bunche Village), and at Meisler Middle School. His community involvement is beyond measure. He was a member of the Jefferson Retired Teachers, Bunche village Civic Association, True Democrats, Board Member of the Jefferson Parish Council on Aging, the Congress of National Black Churches, the Alumni Association of Alabama A&M University, and the Lafon Nursing Home Auxiliary. A tenor, gifted with the “voice of a bird” some said, he performed at countless weddings, funerals, religious and civic functions. Brother Nero was a member of Mt. Olive Lodge #21 and Eureka Consistory #7 and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. We express deep gratitude to Rev. Duane Hill, Sr., Rev. and Mrs. David Hoey, Kathy Franks, sister-in-law Ruby B. Nero, Cheryl Monroe, Karl Nero, Charles L. Bumpus, Wylodene Bumpus Cooper, the Bunche Village community, an exceptional team of caregivers, and the unceasing love and visits to daddy from our Baton Rouge kinfolk shepherded by our dear Evelyn Nero Lee (and her children and siblings). Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend a Visitation Only from 9:00 am to 10:00 am at D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Avenue on Saturday, July 18, 2020. Due to COVID-19, attendance is limited and please follow social distancing guidelines; also, a mask is required to attend service. Interment: Providence Park Cemetery. . Arrangements by D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, New Orleans, LA.