Missonary Willie Nell Tudman was born and raised in Nash, Texas, to the late Willie E. Morrow and Willie B. Edmond. She received her education from Macedonia School. She also attended Texarkana College. Mother Nell attended Rose Hill Church of God in Christ until she united in Holy Matrimony to the late Supt. James A. Tudman Sr., on April 6, 1984. After marriage, she attended Shiloh Church of God in Christ, which later became Greater Shiloh Church of God in Christ. She worked for the Texarkana Independent School District, for 30 years, as a bus driver. Mother Nell was well known for her fashion and primarily known for her expertise with cooking. She also worked as the State Hospitality President for many years.

Nell was preceded in death by her father, Willie Morrow and mother, Willie (Edmond) Parker, her brother, John D Edwards, her husband, Supt. James A. Tudman Sr. She leaves to cherish her memories, her daughter, LaKeisha Philips Ellis (Gregg) of Texarkana, Texas; bonus daughters, Stephania Brown of Dallas, Texas; Julie Tudman Flint (Clarence) of Amarillo, Texas; bonus sons, Donny Philips (Darlene) of Columbus, Georgia; Ronny Philips (Diane) of Ft. Collins, Colorado; Jerry Philips (Gail) of Savannah, Georgia; Gary Philips (LaTresia) of Lawrenceville, Georgia; Dr. James Tudman Jr. (Vo) of Amarillo, Texas; Dr. Joel Tudman (Tasha) of Dallas, Texas. She also has a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, special nieces, and nephews.