Julia Ann Bullard Nagel (Mrs. Nagel to many 1st graders in Meyersville) passed away Friday, Feb. 14, 2014. She was born on July 28, 1953 in Baytown, Texas to Wilburn Carlton Bullard, Jr., and Rosa Bradbury Bullard. One of five children, they grew up in Baytown and spent many weekends and holidays at the farm in Madisonville.
Ann graduated from Texas A&M University in 1976 where she met her husband to be. On Oct. 23, 1976, Ann married her “pig farmer” Robert Nagel (Class of 1975) at Wooster Baptist Church in Baytown. Ann and Robert spent their life together on the farm between Arneckeville and Meyersville.
In September of 1977, Ann began her 35 years as the 1st grade teacher at the Meyersville school. One year there was such a large class that Mrs. Liptak was hired to split the class. Ann commented to Robert recently that, “Of all the students that walked out of my door, there was not a one that had not learned at least something.” In 35 years she truly loved so many children.
God blessed Ann and Robert with one son, Nathan, in July of 1983 and the closest thing to a daughter she had was a niece, Kimberly Bullard Woods. When Nathan married Amy Kidd Nagel, he brought them another special daughter. Nathan and Amy presented the families with a grandson, Logan William, in September of 2011 and are expecting a granddaughter very soon.
Shortly before Nathan’s birth, Ann began her other career, teaching Sunday School at Zion Lutheran Church of Arneckeville. She loved to share her faith and love of her Heavenly Father with the children. For many years she lead the openings, inspiring many to sings praises to our Lord.
Over the years, five of Ann’s students predeceased her. Losing Trey White, Jason Seiler, LeAnn Wendel, Marlin Moritz, and Robert Harper, was like losing her own.
Another special student she would want to recognize is Slade Doehrman. After Ann was diagnosed with kidney cancer in March of 2012, Slade became a special inspiration to Ann. All these years after Slade was in her class, his Christmas card has never failed to come.
Not being able to finish her last class in 2012 weighed heavily on Ann. She was consoled when Sherry Hartman agreed to finish the year for her. She was comforted and assured as Sherry had taught second grade next door for most of those 35 years.
Ann was predeceased by her father, both sets of grandparents, three aunts, four uncles, and a cousin.
Ann is survived by her mother; husband; son; daughter-in-law; grandson; brothers, Carlton and Randy Bullard; sisters, Kathi LaPointe and Martha Louree Bullard. She is also survived by a special aunt, Lela Mea Morris; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Edieth & Harlan Nagel; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Mary & Steve Lieda and Judy & Bob Hohne, and Patrick Nagel; one niece and eight nephews; two great nieces and four great nephews. Ann is survived by a host of friends.
Ann and Robert want many of you to know that you have been used by God. In the darkest moments of our lives a call or card or package would arrive that had to be timed by God and tears of joy washed away countless dark, dark clouds! Thank you all and may you be blessed as much as God blessed us.
