Nell Grace Hempen

Nellie Clark Hempen, of Austin, Texas, passed away peacefully on July 1st, 2025, at the Auberge assisted living facility in Austin. Born on May 5th, 1929, in Moline, Texas. She was the daughter of Ray and Ladell (Hightower) McMahan. Nell was a graduate of Lometa High School, and, subsequently, received professional training at San Angelo and El Paso business colleges. Thereafter, Nell received a BA degree in Art at the University of Texas at Austin, and served as an art teacher at several Texas public high schools

With a life filled with love of family, Nell was known for her hard work and loyal service. Nell retired from the Austin Police Department after a successful career that lasted more than twenty years. Throughout her life, Nell had an irrepressible love of art and involved herself in numerous projects and volunteer work at local art museums. Her home was always open to family and friends, and she will be remembered for her delightful hospitality. With a continuous, unwavering spirit, Nell provided devotion, wisdom, and comfort to all who knew her, and is a great legacy for her family.

Nell married Arthur Hempen in 1949 and had two children, daughter Jerri Levi and son Partick Hempen. Nell, thereafter married Arthur Clark. She is survived by her daughter and son, her sister Maisie Everett, and her three grandchildren, and two great grandchildren, and was preceded in death by husbands Art Hempen and Arthur Clark.

The immediate family had a quiet prayerful burial service at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home and Memorial Park. The family honors her memory and a celebration life services is tentatively scheduled at Lampasas TX on 13 June, 2026 at a site to be determined, early enough not to interfere with the McMahan family reunion. Nell’s warmth, laughter, and love of family will never be forgotten, and she will be missed dearly.