Mrs. Nelline Churchill Pyrtle

Nelline Pyrtle was born on January 17, 1928. She was born to Ella and Johnny Churchill in Onalaska, Texas. She lived in Houston and graduated from Phillis Wheatley High School. Shortly after graduation while working at the ice cream parlor, she met the love of her life. Nelline was wed to Frank Pyrtle on October 2, 1947, and they built a wonderful family and life together. Nelline worked Cruz Draperies Company for many years as a supervisor before she started her own drapery business. She also worked as a housekeeper for the Cornelius family before retiring. Most people know Nelline for her draperies and dressmaking but also her dedication to her family.

Nelline accepted Christ early in her life in the Methodist Church. She was a long time member of Friendship Missionary Baptist and Greater Jerusalem Baptist Church until she joined her nephew’s ministry at Trinity Missionary Baptist Church.

In retirement, Nelline enjoyed working in her garden, sewing, cooking, and cherishing her family and friends. As God would see fit, Nelline Pyrtle made her final transition from this life on January 1, 2023.

Nelline was preceded in death by her mother, Ella Churchill; her father, Johnny Churchill; her sisters Nola Bailey, Lavera Churchill, Juanita Eastland, and Letty Edwards; her daughter, Pandler Diann Johnson; her son, Rickie Churchill; and her husband of 74 years, Frank Pyrtle, Sr.

She leaves to cherish her memories her son, Frank Pyrtle, Jr.; daughters, Debra Gibson, Brenda Grosett, and Linda Frank; adopted daughter/ granddaughter, Regina Gee (Jessie); grandchildren, Frank Pyrtle III, Shaina Pyrtle, Anthony Reynolds (Donyale), Frederick Frank, Rickey Johnson, Lorna Pyrtle, Genae Gibson, Johnny Frank, Lewis Pyrtle (Yui), LaToya Johnson and Frankcheskia Pyrtle; one brother, Will Harold Churchill, Sr.; and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Active Pallbearers are listed below:

Will Harold Churchill, Jr.

Johnny Frank

Fredrick Frank

Lewis Pyrtle

Frank Pyrtle, III

Anthony T. Reynolds

Reginald Jackson

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.AmericanHeritageFuneralHome.com for the Pyrtle family.