annie louise nelson burrell
1908-2000
Life Story
A Life of Endurance from Mississippi to Indianapolis
Annie Louise Nelson Burrell lived a long and resilient life that spanned nearly a century of American history. Born on August 19, 1908, in Newton County, Mississippi, she was the daughter of Matthew Nelson and Minnie Moore Nelson. Her journey carried her from the rural landscapes of the Piney Woods to the urban neighborhoods of Indianapolis, reflecting both the challenges and opportunities experienced by many African American families in the 20th century.
Early Life and Family Roots
Louise was raised in Beat 1 of Newton County in a large and industrious household. By 1910, she was one of at least eight children, growing up among siblings in a family grounded in farming, labor, and strong kinship ties.
Her upbringing in rural Mississippi instilled values of hard work, adaptability, and endurance—qualities that would define her throughout her life.
Marriage, Loss, and New Beginnings
Around 1928, Louise married Scofield Johnson and began building a family of her own. That same year, however, she experienced a profound personal tragedy. On September 27, 1928, she gave birth to a stillborn daughter in Newton County.
By 1930, Louise and Scofield had relocated to Laurel, Mississippi, where she was working as a homemaker on East Third Street. Though this marriage eventually ended, Louise later found lasting companionship with Elbert Burrell, with whom she would build the next chapter of her life.
Building a Life on the Gulf Coast
Louise and Elbert eventually settled in Biloxi, Mississippi, where they spent decades establishing their home and community presence. They lived at 623 Bellman Lane (historically referred to as Bellman Alley), a location that became central to their family life.
During the 1950s, Louise worked as a maid in private homes—one of the most common occupations available to Black women in the region at the time—while Elbert worked as a laborer. Together, they steadily built stability.
Their names appeared in local newspapers such as Sun Herald in connection with real estate purchases, reflecting their efforts to acquire property in the North Gulfport and Original Gulfport subdivisions.
Louise also demonstrated civic engagement. In the early 1960s, she was listed for jury service, marking her participation in a system from which Black citizens had long been excluded.
Family Responsibility and Strength
In 1961, Louise took on a significant family responsibility following the death of her sister, Viola Nelson House. She served as administratrix of Viola’s estate in the Chancery Court of Harrison County—an important legal role that required both trust and competence.
Her life during these years reflected a woman deeply embedded in both family and community networks, willing to step forward when responsibility called.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Even in her later years, Louise demonstrated remarkable strength. In July 1981, at the age of 71, she was struck by a garbage truck near her home in Biloxi. Despite suffering two broken ribs, she survived the accident and was reported to be in satisfactory condition at the hospital.
This incident stands as a testament to her resilience and determination, traits that had carried her through decades of life’s challenges.
Final Years in Indianapolis
Following the death of her husband Elbert, Louise joined the continued migration of family members northward, relocating to Indianapolis, Indiana. There, she lived on North Tibbs Avenue and became an active member of Mount Horeb Baptist Church.
Even into her 90s, Louise remained a central figure in her family, cared for by her niece Mary Ray and surrounded by extended kin.
Death and Legacy
Annie Louise Nelson Burrell passed away on December 30, 2000, at Westpark Health Care in Indianapolis at the age of 92. Her cause of death was listed as congestive heart failure.
She was laid to rest on January 8, 2001, at New Crown Cemetery.
A Life That Endured Across Generations
Louise’s life is a powerful reflection of endurance, adaptation, and quiet strength. From the fields of Newton County to the neighborhoods of Biloxi and Indianapolis, she built a life grounded in perseverance and family commitment.
Remembered as a homemaker in the fullest sense, she created not just a household, but a lasting legacy—one carried forward by the many nieces and nephews who preserved her story and honored her place within the Nelson and Burrell family line.
Summary of Key Life Events
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Birth | August 19, 1908 (Newton County, Mississippi) |
| Parents | Matthew Nelson and Minnie Moore Nelson |
| First Marriage | Scofield Johnson (c. 1928) |
| Second Marriage | Elbert Burrell |
| Residences | Newton; Laurel; Biloxi (Bellman Lane); Indianapolis |
| Occupation | Homemaker; domestic worker |
| Church | Mount Horeb Baptist Church (Indianapolis) |
| Death | December 30, 2000 |
| Burial | New Crown Cemetery, Indianapolis |
Photos/Albums
Resting Place
New Crown Cemetery, Indianapolis, Indiana
Sources
- Birth and Parentage: Indiana State Department of Health, Certificate of Death for Annie Louise Burrell (30 Dec 2000), local no. 009751. Parents identified as Matthew Nelson and Minnie Moore. Social Security Administration (SSA) Numident record (1 Sep 1970) lists birth date as 9 Aug 1909, though Death Certificate and SSA Death Index (Dec 2000) confirm 19 Aug 1908.
- Childhood Residency: 1910 U.S. Census, Newton County, Mississippi, Beat 1, ED 86, sheet 11B, household of Martero [Matthew] Nelson. Annie Louise is listed as “Louisa,” age 1.
- First Marriage and Loss: Mississippi State Board of Health, Certificate of Death for Infant Daughter Johnson (27 Sep 1928), File No. 274. Record identifies Louise Nelson as the mother and Scofield Johnson as the father.
- Residency in Laurel: 1930 U.S. Census, Jones County, Mississippi, Laurel City, Ward 1, ED 34-4, dwelling 466. Louise Johnson is listed as wife of Scofield Johnson.
- Residency and Employment in Biloxi: 1950 U.S. Census, Harrison County, Mississippi, Biloxi, ED 24-41, sheet 73, dwelling 76. Record lists Louise Burrell, age 37, residing with husband Elbert Burrell and employed as a maid.
- Real Estate Transactions: “Real Estate Transfers,” The Sun Herald (Gulfport, MS), 12 Aug 1953, p. 20 (purchase from Exie Mae Bingham); 13 Sep 1956, p. 7 (purchase from William Kalif).
- Legal Administration: “Notice to Creditors: Estate of Viola Nelson,” The Sun Herald, 11 Jul 1961, p. 18. Louise Nelson Burrell named Administratrix.
- Jury Service: “Circuit Court Jury List,” The Sun Herald, 27 Feb 1963, p. 26.
- Pedestrian Accident: “Biloxian hit by truck,” The Sun Herald, 31 Jul 1981, p. 2.
- Death and Burial: Obituary for Annie Louise Nelson Burrell, The Indianapolis Star (Indianapolis, IN), Jan 2001. Mentions membership at Mount Horeb Baptist Church and burial at New Crown Cemetery.
- Final Residence: U.S. Social Security Death Index, record for Louise N. Burrell (d. 30 Dec 2000), last residence zip code 46222 (Indianapolis, IN).
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