Nella Rose Brainis

Nella Rose King Brainis passed away on Wednesday, November 9, 2016 at her home in Kenner, Louisiana. She is survived by three sons, Robert William Walsh, Cortland William Walsh, and Benjamin Leon Brainis; two grandsons, Jeremy William Walsh and Taylor William Walsh; and three great-grandsons, Gabriel William Walsh, Carter William Walsh, and Julian William Walsh. Nella was a long-time member of New Hope Christian and Missionary Alliance Church. She was born on December 14, 1929 in Flat Hills River (now known as Park Hills), Missouri to William Earl King of Brunot, Missouri and Virgie Temple-Black King of Doe Run, Missouri. Nella attended the Flat River Public School and graduated as Valedictorian of her class in 1947. She also attended Flat River (now known as Minerial Area) Junior College, achieving membership in Phi Theta Kappa, honorary society for the arts and sciences majors. Nella continued study at the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in education. She was on the Dean’s List during all semesters there. In 1974, Nella received a Master’s Degree in guidance counselling from Loyola University in New Orleans, Louisiana with membership in their honorary fraternity for education. A talented musician, Nella began studying piano in grade school and early years, and continued studying through junior college. She was the accompanist for various choral groups, and served as organist for her church, Flat River Christian (Disciples of Christ) Church. In 1960, she joined the New Orleans chapter of American Guild of Organists, and she was the organist for several churches in the New Orleans area, including serving as an organist for the St. Charles Avenue Christian Church until her loss of vision in 2001. Nella began her career in education as a high school senior’s business teacher in Warrenton, Missouri in 1951 where she stayed for two years. She later went to the Jefferson Parish public school system where she retired from in 1996. During a hiatus from teaching, Nella was the court reporter for the First Parish Court in Metairie, Louisiana. After retiring from teaching, she was also an agent for Century 21 Realty. Nella was a member of the Harahan Senior Center, Mike Miley Golden Ages, the AARP Southlake Chapter, New Orleans First Baptist Church Senior Adult Group, The Riverside Baptist Church Senior Luncheon Group of River Ridge, and the Greater New Orleans Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind. She was a former member of the Women’s Auxiliary of the Salvation Army, and Jefferson Parish Retired Teachers. Friends and family are invited to attend a Memorial Service at New Hope Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, 1027 Friedrichs St., Gretna, LA 70053 on Sunday, December 11, 2016 at 3PM. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Lighthouse for the Blind in New Orleans, Louisiana. Donations can be made online at http://www.lighthouselouisiana.org/give or by calling 504-899-4501.