Mary Bumpus Nero

Mary Lou “Sister” Nero transitioned from this life on March 29, 2017 at the age of 92. She is the daughter of the late Solon and Manna Wilkerson Bumpus of Decatur, Alabama. She was predeceased by her brothers Theopolis (“Son”), Leroy, and Theodore. Mary Lou is survived by Charles B. Nero, her devoted husband of nearly 62 years; her son Dr. Charles I. Nero, son-in-law Dr. Baltasar Fra-Molinero; grandsons Carlos and Bernardo; goddaughter Cheniere Rene Douglas; and a host of cherished nieces and nephews, kinfolk, and friends. Mary Nero’s life was a “testimony to perseverance and dedication,” wrote her friend and poet Pauline Morgan. Mary was a graduate of Decatur Negro High School, received a BS from Alabama State University, an M Ed. from Southern University of Baton Rouge, and did additional graduate work at Xavier University and Indiana State University. She began her professional career as a teacher at the historic Trinity High School in Athens, Alabama. After marriage in 1955 to the love of her life, she and her husband, Charles, relocated to Metairie in 1961 where she began her career on the charter faculty of Ralph Johnson Bunche Jr. High School. She concluded a distinguished career in public education as a counselor at Riverdale High School. Mary Nero was a lifelong member of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, beginning as a teen at Garner Memorial in Decatur and continuing at Calvary Tabernacle in New Orleans where she served in numerous roles in Christian Education, the Stewardess Board, fundraising events, as a mentor to youth, and a sister-in-Christ to the church’s members. A lover of traveling, she organized trips throughout the US for her fellow church members. Mary Nero was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha (ABO) Sorority and the National Association of University Women. She has served as secretary for the Louisiana Retired Teachers Association (District 1) and was a member of the Bunche Village Subdivision Civic Association. She held memberships in A. V. Williams No. 178, OES; the Golden Circle, New Orleans Assembly No. 1; and the Ruby E. Williams Phyllis Auxiliary. The family expresses deep gratitude to Rev. Duane Hill, Sr., the unwavering support of lifelong friends Lawson and Irma Harvey, Huey and Joy Hill, Barron an Kathy Franks, Mildred Brown, and sister-in-law Ruby B. Nero. Relatives and friends, including officers and members of Corinthians Lodge No. 228, Mr. Olive Lodge No. 21, and Kappa Alpha Psi are invited to attend the Funeral Service at Calvary Tabernacle CME Church, 3629 Dryades St., in New Orleans on Saturday, April 8, 2017 at 10:00 am with visitation before the service beginning at 8:30 am. Interment follows the service at Providence Memorial Park Cemetery, 8200 Airline Dr. in Metairie and a repast at Williams Play Lot Gym 7744 Mistletoe St. in Metairie. Arrangements by D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Ave. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the guestbook.