Nona B. Mullen

Nona B. Mullen

Aug. 6, 1935 - April 30, 2023

TUPELO, Miss. - Nona B. Mullen, 87, peacefully passed away on Sun., April 30, 2023 at North Mississippi Medical Center Hospice in Tupelo, Miss. after a sudden decline.

Nona was born Aug. 6, 1935 in Buckhorn, Miss. to Earlie and Ludie Swanson. She was one of 20 siblings. She graduated from Randolph High School and was an early fan of Elvis Presley who performed at her high school. After graduating Nona moved to Memphis, Tenn. She and some girlfriends took dance lessons at Arthur Murray for fun and to meet men. Nona met Bernard “Bernie” Mullen and during their courtship they danced in many places in Memphis, with a favorite being the rooftop of the Peabody Hotel.

Nona married the love of her life, Dr. Bernard “Bernie” Mullen, Sep. 29, 1960 at St. Patrick’s in McCook. Nona and Bernie’s love of dancing continued throughout life; 42 years in McCook, 20 years in Hot Springs Village Ark., winters in South Padre Island, Texas and the last nine months in Mississippi. The last time Nona danced was a night out, March 11th, 2023 with Bernie and family, before her decline.

Nona was a community organizer and always busy, she spearheaded many fundraising activities in McCook. From swim team soup supper tickets to making sure that Heritage Hills golf course was built. Nona and her husband initiated in the memory of their son, The John Mullen Memorial Pro-Am, to benefit Community Hospital in 1988 and after 30 years requested that the name be retired and it is now known as The Community Hospital Pro-Am. Nona was honored by the Nebraska Optometric Association in 1992 with the Presidential Award for her work to advance optometry. Nona was a championship golfer having learned the game after the birth of her first child. She was also a lifelong basketball player including competing in the National Senior Games until she was 85.

Nona was preceded in death by her parents, Earlie and Ludie; son, John Mullen, (09/18/1986) and by five brothers: Marlin, Curtis, L.V., Earnie, Richard and seven sisters: Estmer, Vera, Frances, Kathleen, Faye, Leuvenia, and Norma.

Nona is survived by her husband, Bernie Mullen, Lincoln, Neb.; her daughter, Brenda Mullen, Lincoln, Neb.; her granddaughter, Kerstin Mullen-Bagby of Lincoln, Neb.; grandson, Brandon Mullen-Bagby (Melissa Lee), of Silverton, Ore.; her great-granddaughter, Ruby Lee of Silverton Ore.; three brothers, Rayburn, Jimmy and Larry; and four sisters, Dorothy, Linda, Glenda and Marilyn of Mississippi. Nona was a one of a kind woman and will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

A private graveside service was held at Calvary Cemetery in McCook, Neb. Memorials are suggested to Community Hospital Pro Am, through Community Hospital Health Foundation, 1301 East H Street, McCook, NE 69001. Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.com. Local arrangements have been entrusted to Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel of McCook.