James L. Nelson

His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

James Luther Nelson, 79, beloved husband of Charlene Beard Nelson (deceased December 26, 2014) went to be with his Heavenly Father on Monday, August 29, 2016.

James was born December 24, 1936 to J.B. and Lucille Nelson. As a child he attended Richmond Hill A.M.E. where he was baptized. He graduated from Peake High School and married the love of his life, Charlene Beard. Together they raised six children, five daughters and one son. After all of their children left home they became foster parents to many young children who needed a place to be loved.

Mr. Nelson was a hard worker for his family and his community. He never turned anyone away who needed help. Besides working the family farm, he worked his own pulp wood business, ran a small family café for a short while, worked at the National Gypsum Plant until it closed, and then for Reynold's Aluminum plant.

After moving to the city of Arkadelphia he united with the Davis Temple Church of God in Christ and then later with the Tate Temple Church of God in Christ, where he served as deacon and Sunday school superintendent until his death. He was also active with the NAACP. He was also an active member of the Christian Men United group in Arkadelphia.

In his retirement he spent most of his time with his precious wife, even caring for her in sickness until her death. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Charlene, daughter Terese and son-in-law Rev. James Liddell.

Those left to cherish his memory include: 4 daughters, Vickie Liddell (James, deceased) of Pine Bluff, AR, Vera McKissic (Rev. Dwight) and Veronica Griffith (Rev. Fred) both of Arlington, TX, Pearl Hanson (Dr. Burnett)of Summit, MS; 1 son, Micheal Nelson (Shirley) of Arkadelphia, AR; 2 brothers, Layron Nelson (Maurine) of Sacramento, CA and Ralph Nelson (Maude) of Hot Springs, AR; 27 grandchildren, 47 great-grandchildren; bother-in law Claudie Beard Jr. (Alberta) of Arkadelphia, AR and beloved nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Sunday, September 4, 2016 at Mitchell Funeral Home from 12 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Family Hour will be from 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. at Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. Friends and family are invited to share in the memories and milestones of Mr. James Nelson's life.

Homegoing services will be at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. William Dwight McKissic as the eulogist and Elder Leroy Williams will serve as officiant. Committal service and final resting place will be in Richmond Hill Cemetery.

Family Hour will be at Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church from 4:30 p.m. -6:30 p.m.

Friends and family are invited to share in the memories and milestones of Mr. Nelson's life.

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