Michael Jack Mizell-Nelson

To Cathy, Arlo and Keely, Can't tell you how shocked I was to hear of Michael's death. What a great loss to the research, history- teaching and writing community in New Orleans this is! Michael was the real deal -- dedicated, kind and willing to share. It is impossible to think of him gone from us so soon! He loved you all very much -- may his work and your fond memories of him keep him with us for many years to come,
Mary Gehman (Donaldsonville, LA) colleague and friend

Mike,
I can still see your cool saunter down the green hall and the smirk of mischievousness on your face. Wish I had known you better after high school. I am glad you found a passion to pursue. God bless.
Paul

My Deepest Condolences.

My deepest condolences - Mike was one of a kind. Funny, caring, passionate, smart. He will be greatly missed. His classmates at Ben Franklin and Aurora Gardens remember him well and are better for knowing him.

Dear Mike, I will never forget the times we rode the streetcar together as teens, and played four-square in the Ben Franklin courtyard. I am grateful we were able to reconnect just before and after Katrina, and had a chance to talk about NOLA cemeteries at last year's po-boy fest. I am sad for everyone's loss, especially his family, friends, colleagues, and all the students who were privileged to attend his classes. Oh how I wish we had the chance to collaborate as we had planned. Good-bye old friend, for now. See you at the next streetcar stop. Aram

I am truly sorry for your loss. Mike was so well loved by classmates and friends at Ben Franklin high school Class of '83. He will be missed ...

Cathe, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. I have read that he was an amazing man, scholar, husband, and father; I am so sad that I never had the chance to meet him. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this very difficult time. With deepest sympathies and love. Sincerely,

mike was a nice, funny guy who i always enjoyed running into.my deepest condolences.

Our deepest condolences on this tragic and shocking loss.

Stunned. But this isn't about me. A huge loss for us, as Dr. Powell points out, but far huger, deeper for y'all. Please let me know if I can help in any way; I'm just a few blocks away. Sending prayers y'all's way.

Michael was a kind, generous,hard-working, and accomplished colleague and friend. Cathe, my thoughts and love are with you and the kids.

Michael was my mentor and one of the most knowledgeable food historians in New Orleans. His passing is a great loss, and my sympathy goes out to his family.

To attempt this sparingly: personally my family and I are fond of Michael and his family. The man was a great husband and father who'll be missed as friend and colleague. Professionally he was a smart, dedicated historian who passionately pursued past and present. Mike was a wry guy who loved New Orleans, which made for a ready kinship. He positively affected a lotta people - including me - and I'm grateful we shared some of our lives together. Let us remember Michael happily, and often.

Though I did not see Michael as often as I would have liked, I will miss him terribly. He was truly a good man, and I enjoyed teaching with him at Delgado. He was gentle and thoughtful, and he genuinely cared for his students. My thoughts and prayers go to Catherine and the children. New Orleans has lost one of its greatest treasures.

Cathy, I am stunned by this terrible loss. Please let me know if there's any way I can help you or the kids, anytime.

So sorry for your loss. Dr. Mizell-Nelson was such a wonderful professor and mentor. He will be missed!

I am a PhD student in the Urban Studies department. If it wasn't for Dr. Mizell-Nelson, I never would have been found my interest in public rail transit. After mentioning his honeymoon to the Seashore Trolley Museum in class, I went the following summer. I'm at a complete loss. I hope his family knows what a positive impact he made on his students. He certainly made a strong impression on me.

Completely shocked to learn this morning of the untimely death of Michael Mizell-Nelson. He had accomplished a great deal in his young life in the way of scholarship, public history, teaching, with so much left to do. What his passing has cost our community is probably inestimable. Sincerest condolences to his wife Cathe and their children.

We will miss Michael. Such a beautiful spirit and a great historian. His legacy will always live on in the history of Oak Street and Po-Boys, as well as his contributions to the furthering of public history and his Historic New Orleans webpage.