Nelie Dobson Durham

Nelie Dobson Durham, age 94, of Hammond, Louisiana, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family. Born June 3, 1931, in Wynne, Arkansas, to Margaret Tobias and Hunter Dobson, Nelie lived a long and meaningful life rooted in faith, service, education, and family. Nelie spent her early years in Mandeville, Louisiana, before her family moved to Hammond in 1945. She attended Hammond High School and graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University Training School in 1948. Nelie went on to earn her Bachelor of Science degree from Southeastern Louisiana University in 1952, where she was inducted into the 13 Club Honor Society, served as Co-Ed Vice President, and was crowned Miss Southeastern. She later received her Master of Science in Early Childhood Education from Louisiana State University (LSU).

Education was Nelie’s lifelong calling. She taught at Covington High School, Hammond High School, Rogate Oak Junior High in Michigan, and at Southeastern Louisiana University, where she taught Home Economics, Biology, and 7th and 8th grade science. She also worked in the SLU Nursery School as a graduate assistant, and earlier in life held jobs at local dress shops, Fontainebleau State Park, Williams Pharmacy, and spent summers managing recreation at Cate Street Park.

Deeply committed to her community, Nelie served on numerous boards and in many organizations, including: United Way, Hammond Recreation Department, the Columbia Theatre, CASA, Friends of Sims Library, Southwood Academy Board, the SLU Alumni Board, and she was a devoted member of First United Methodist Church in Hammond.

Nelie was preceded in death by her parents, Margaret Tobias and Hunter Dobson; her husband, Dan Reeves Durham II; her son, Hunter Edward Durham; her grandson, Cody Clay Durham; her brothers Bill Dobson and Frank Dobson; and her sister, Margaret Bickham.

She is survived by her son, Dan Reeves “Tracy” Durham III and his wife, Suzanne; daughter-in-law, Bonnie Durham; her sister, Hunter Dobson Black (Charlie); grandchildren Jessica Durham Crook (Ben), Hunter Ross Durham (HaVan), Nelie Durham Gross (Adam), Daniel Rhett Durham (Ashley), and Hannah Ashley Durham; and great-grandchildren Trace Gross, Avery Crook, and Bear Crook.

Known for her intelligence, grace, and steadfast dedication to education and service, Nelie enriched countless lives through her teaching, her example, and her love of family. She will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her love of Southeastern Louisiana University, her love of books, and her generous heart. 

Memorial donations may be made to the Dan & Nelie Durham Endowed Scholarship c/o Southeastern Louisiana University SLU 10703, Hammond, LA 70402.

Visitation will be held at First United Methodist Church of Hammond, 2200 Rue Denise, Hammond, on Monday, December 29, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. until the funeral service at 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery, Hammond.