Nellie “Eunice” White Lion passed away peacefully on April 14, 2017 at the age of 87. She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Maurice Lion; her parents, Wille and Beatrice White; brothers, Franklin, Billy and Joe White and daughter Geralynn Lion. She is survived by her children: Jennifer Clesi (Steve), Jessica Bourgeois (Deryle), Daniel Lion (Deb), David Lion (Eve) and Valerie Sprinkle (Richard); sister, Sarah Dugan (Leon); 15 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Eunice grew up on a farm in Reform, Alabama and attended Charity school of Nursing. She was a student nurse in Birmingham, and was the first and only graduate from the University of Alabama Nursing School in 1951 with a Bachelor of Science Degree. She worked at Baptist, Ochsner, MD Anderson, Masonite Ohio Psychiatric, Herman Memorial in Houston and the Veterans Hospitals in Houston and New Orleans. She taught Nursing Arts in Mobile at Mobile Infirmary, and she kept her nursing license well into her seventies. Eunice was a compassionate and skilled caregiver to her late parents, daughter and husband. She was an active parishioner of St. Ann’s Parish in Metairie, and was in charge of Adoration every Tuesday. She played the organ at St. Peter and Paul and St. Ann’s Church. Eunice served the homeless meals at Ozanam Inn and volunteered at St. Vincent De Paul Society. Eunice was known for her elaborate birthday parties and events - her carrot cake and chocolate cake were always a hit. Her daughter Geralynn passed on Good Friday three years ago, and she chose to join her in heaven on the same special day. Eunice was loved by all and known for her sweet smile and loving and kind ways. She was a role model for caring for those in need. Special thanks to Precious Davis and Jaime Akula, St. Ann’s parishioners and Clergy and Servants of Mary for their loving care. Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, April 21, 2017 at St. Ann’s Church and Shrine, 4940 Meadowdale Street in Metairie, LA 70006, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be in Garden of Memories Cemetery.
Please make any donations to Servants of Mary, 5001 Perlita Street, New Orleans, LA 70122. 

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