Dell Pierson Peters

Dell Pierson Peters was born on October 23, 1944, to the late Henry Williams and Doretha Pierson in St. Gabriel, Louisiana. At the age of three, she relocated to New Orleans, Louisiana, into the home of the late Louis and Ophelia Kelly. Louis and Ophelia, her biological uncle and aunt, taught messages of love through their devotion as Christians. They instilled strong family values centered on nurturing, education, and giving praise to God in all things. At the age of six, Dell was baptized by the late Rev. J.J. Carter Jr., pastor of Stronger Hope Baptist Church. In 1972, she joined James Chapel Baptist Church, where she remained a faithful and devoted member under the leadership of the late Rev. Evans Morrison, the late Rev. Cleveland Turner, and currently Rev. Herman Brown Sr. On February 6, 1975, she married the late Clifford Peters. Dell graduated from Booker T. Washington High School, Class of 1962. She earned a certificate in Practical Nursing through the Orleans Parish School Board and attended Dillard University. She later received an Associate Degree in Nursing from Louisiana State University, a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of South Alabama, and a Master’s degree in Nursing from the University of Phoenix. Dell retired from the Medical Center of Louisiana (formerly Charity Hospital of New Orleans) after 32 years of dedicated service on December 20, 2000. During her career, she served as a staff nurse in Labor and Delivery and as an HIV Counselor with the Department of Public Health. Passionate about helping others and advancing the nursing profession, she later taught nursing at Nurses’ Network until Hurricane Katrina ended her tenure. Dell’s dedication and excellence in nursing were widely recognized. In 2001, she was honored as one of the Great 100 Nurses and was a member of the Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society. She also faithfully served her church as the founder and president of the James Chapel Baptist Church Health Ministry and was an active member of the Women’s Auxiliary and the Sick and Destitute Committee. In addition, she lovingly designed and sewed costumes and helped create scenery for the Sunday School Department’s Easter and Christmas programs. Dell leaves to cherish her memory a devoted brother and sister-in-love, Dr. Melvin and Natalie Pierson; two beloved nephews, Keith and Nicholas Pierson; her Godchildren: Monica Jones (St. Gabriel, Louisiana), Donald Williams Jr., Allen (“Cooe”) Martin (New Orleans, Louisiana), Richard Tucker (Miami, Florida), Jonathan Shields (New Orleans, Louisiana), and Lendell Oneal-Young (Dallas, Texas); lifelong childhood friends Carolyn White-Bentley and Yvonne Baptiste-Gibson; church member and dear friend Janice Jenkins; devoted neighbors and friends, the Pratt family; and a host of loving family, friends, colleagues, and all whose lives she touched. Dell’s life was one of faith, service, compassion, and unwavering dedication to helping others. Her legacy of love, kindness, and devotion to family, church, and community will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend a Funeral service on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at James Chapel Baptist Church, 4228 Thalia Street, New Orleans, LA. Visitation will be from 10:00am – 10:45am following a Louisiana Nurse Honor Guard Presentation from 10:45 – 11:00am. The Celebration of Life Service will begin at 11:00am Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, New Orleans, LA. Arrangements by D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Ave. New Orleans, LA 70125. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the guestbook.

Dell Pierson Peters

May 27, 2026