Retha Nell Broussard Swallow, Mama Nell to many, was born in Port Arthur, Texas February 5, 1945 and passed away peacefully on July 16, 2018 at the age of 73.  She was the third of five children born in the union of the late Sidney Broussard & the late Agnes Hayes Broussard.  She was preceded in death by her brother Johnny Broussard.

Mama Nell is survived by her brother Sidney Broussard Jr. (Penny), two sisters, Rose Broussard-Branch, and Jeanette Marshall (Herbert).  She was married Jerry Swallow and in their union she was a blessed and devoted mother to four loving Children, Burke Swallow (Cheryl), Kimberly Bryant (Daniel), Amanda Thornton, and Sonya Swallow. 

Mama Nell was not only a devoted mother but she was a devoted grandmother of 14 grandchildren Angela Swallow, April Gorrer (Michael), Alexis Thornton (preceded her), Anisha Swallow (Marcus),  Alvin Craig Simon Jr., Wendell Thornton Jr., Angel Swallow (Morrell), Amanda Swallow, Jonelle Swallow (preceded Her) Troynell Daw, Atunshae Swallow, Shaketha Fontenette, Shayla Martin,  Jessica Franklin to include her love for her nephews, David Broussard, Sidney Broussard III, Danny Broussard and Lynn Broussard as well as three nieces, LaSonya Broussard-Lewis, Lisa Marshall and Belinda Broussard,  who will share the stories and the memories with her 20 great-grandchildren of this great woman who could make any situation a better situation or at least give you a reason to laugh about it. 

Retha Nell Broussard Swallow, “AKA” Mama Nell worked at PAISD until she retired. She will be remembered by host of family members and friends as a special individual who extended herself to creating laughter and love.

Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, July 21, 2018 at Gabriel Funeral Home Chapel with visitation from 9 a.m. until service time.  Entombment will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park.