Charlene Nelson

Charlene Beard Nelson, 78, beloved wife of James L. Nelson for 59 years, went to be with her Heavenly Father on Friday, December 26, 2014, surrounded by her family.

Charlene was born November 4, 1936 to Claudie and Daisy Beard. As a child she attended Pleasant Hill Baptist where she was baptized. She graduated from Peake High School and married the love of her life, James L. Nelson. She then united with Richmond Hill A.M.E. with her husband. Together they raised six children, one son and five daughters. After they became empty nesters she then became a foster parent to many young children who still affectionately call her mama to date.

She was active in her church and community, serving as youth worker in Richmond Hill, church secretary, assistant musician and Sunday School teacher at Davis Memorial when she moved back to the city, and later became a church Mother, Bible Band teacher and Missionary when she united with Tate Temple Church of God in Christ. She enjoyed serving the community as a nutritionist for the Home Extension Program, leader in the 4-H club, and assistant secretary and Board member for the NAACP. She retired from Henderson State University after 25 years of service. She served at Bynum's daycare for a short time after retirement out of her love for children.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Pauline; daughter, Terese and son-in-law Rev. James Liddell.

Survivors include: Her loving husband, James L. Nelson; daughters, Vickie Liddell (James, deceased), Vera McKissic (Rev. Dwight), Pearl Hanson (Dr. Burnett), Veronica Griffith (Rev. Fred); son, Micheal Nelson (Shirley), 27 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren; brothers, Claudie Beard Jr. (Alberta), Raymond Beard (Joy Dell), brother-in-laws, Layron and Ralph Nelson, a host of nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be Saturday, January 3, 2015 at 12 p.m. at Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church where Dr. Lewis A. Shepherd is Pastor and Superintendent Leroy Williams officiating. Burial will be in Richmond Hill Cemetery under the direction of Mitchell Funeral Home. Visitation will be at Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Friday, January 2, 2015 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. and family hour from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

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