Cornelia Dumas Herff

Born October 25, 1930 to Dr. & Mrs. Edward DeVan Dumas in San Antonio, Nell fostered many friendships, whether in her childhood Monte Vista neighborhood or at Saint Mary's Hall. Many - if not most - persisted throughout her cherished life. She later set forth to Sweet Briar College, though returned to The University of Texas, where she met love of her life, the late August "Augie" Ferdinand Herff, Jr., M.D.

Nell and Augie married shortly after college in San Antonio before transplanting to Philadelphia for his medical education at Jefferson Medical College.

They would later return to San Antonio where she effectively maintained her husband's surgical practice at its onset. She particularly enjoyed an active social life with membership in The Timely Topics Club, The Forum, Battle of Flowers Association, Live Oak Garden Club, and Pi Beta Phi alumnae.

However, Nell especially treasured her role as a grandmother to three boys, whether spending time at their Hill Country ranch or trips to various parts of the world.

Those who Nell will miss her kind and generous spirit; her family is certainly at loss.

She is preceded in death by her son, August "Fritz" Ferdinand Herff III and her husband, August "Augie" Ferdinand Herff Jr., M.D.

Survivors include her daughter, Cornelia "Nell" Herff Hely and her sons, Robert Thomson Turnbull and wife, Nancy, Charles Graham Turnbull; grandson, August "Cody" Ferdinand Herff IV and wife Sara; brother-in-law, Ferdinand Peter Herff II and his children and their wives and children.

The family extends tremendous thanks to devoted friends Gloria Gomez and Beatrice Rodriquez; the staff at The Forum Lincoln Heights and Odyssey Hospice as well as Drs. Paul Smith, Heberto Garza, Peter Hollimon, and Lon Smith.

GRAVESIDE SERVICE

THURSDAY

AUGUST 22, 2013

10:00 A.M.

MISSION BURIAL PARK SOUTH

MEMORIAL SERVICE TO FOLLOW

11:30 A.M.

CHRIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

510 BELKNAP

The Reverend Patrick Gahan and The Reverend Scott Kitayama officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to any of the following: San Antonio Academy of Texas, Cancer Therapy Research Centers, or Christ Episcopal Church.