A good friend
Nettie Irving
Nettie Irving was a warm, natural, and close friend, a constant presence in Mahalia's life. Their relationship was characterized by deep trust, and Nettie played an important role as confidante, advisor, and emotional support for Mahalia.
Nettie Irving was an educated woman with a college degree. She was actively involved in philanthropic initiatives such as the United Negro College Fund and the South Side Community Art Center, underscoring her social conscience and desire to make a difference. In addition to her civic engagement, she was also devoted to her family, teaching and raising her own children.
Her friendship with Mahalia was exceptionally deep. Mahalia often confided in Nettie, even calling her in the middle of the night to talk about her loneliness and her regret at not marrying Russell Roberts. Nettie grew accustomed to these nighttime calls and was always ready to lend her friend an open ear. Netti was an attentive observer and accompanied Mahalia to many important occasions. She saw Thomas A. Dorsey play the piano for Mahalia and noticed the special connection and harmony between the two. Whether it was accompanying Mahalia to the beauty salon before a photo shoot for an album cover or accompanying her to important meetings with lawyers, Nettie was often at Mahalia's side. She was also the one who asked Mahalia to inform the newspapers about the unfounded allegations that she had sung jazz, and made it clear that this was not the case.
Nettie was also a concerned observer when it came to Mahalia's well-being and finances. She was troubled by the disappearance of a "significant portion of the endowment money" from the Mahalia Jackson Scholarship Foundation and accompanied Mahalia to lawyers to discuss restructuring the foundation. Rumors that Minters was afraid of being poisoned in Mahalia's home also reached Nettie, highlighting the complex dynamics in Mahalia's life.
The marital problems between Mahalia and Minters Galloway were also a topic that Mahalia spoke openly with Nettie about.
During Mahalia's illness, Nettie was an unwavering source of comfort. She assured her suffering friend that her afflictions were not divine punishment. Nettie's daughter Gail aptly remarked, "Mahalia always tries to please everyone, and you can't do that," which highlighted Mahalia's inner struggles and underscored Nettie's empathy during those moments.
Nettie also offered Mahalia practical advice. She advised her on the suitability of the Swedish Club for Mahalia's planned temple in Chicago and warned of potential problems.
Even in Mahalia's later years, Nettie tried to help her friend by persuading her to come to Arizona to recuperate, as she herself felt better there. This shows Nettie's ongoing concern for Mahalia's health and well-being.
Nettie Irving was a loyal, intelligent, and dependable friend to Mahalia Jackson, a woman who stood by her through good times and bad, providing Mahalia with both emotional support and practical assistance.