Joe Nell Tennison was born on January 27, 1947 in Ore City, Texas, the seventh of thirteen children. She graduated from Booker T. Washington class of 1965. She was employed by S.G. Thompson for over 20 years. Joe Nell is preceded in death by her father, Joe Nathan Skinner, her mother, Theaster Skinner, and her daughter, Deshaye Tennison Nwaelu. She leaves to cherish her memories: husband, Carl Tennison; sons, Daron Skinner and Darrye Skinner; two brothers: James Skinner and Johnny Skinner; five sisters: Gloria Blessingale, Mary Brown, Martha Skinner, Alma Skinner, and Glenda Skinner; five grandchildren: Da'Shambrae Skinner (Jasmine), Darrion Skinner (Brianna), De'Shavoia Skinner, Maya Skinner, and Christian Skinner; a host of loving nieces, nephews, and cousins; a special niece LaKia Mosby (Alvin).