Deaconess Marion E. Nelson

 “I will look to the Hills from Which cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord.

” Psalm 121:1

Marion Esther Nelson was born on July 22, 1934 in Harlem, New York to Magnolia and Benjamin Williams. She was one of eleven children from a close- knit family. She loved her family and loved Harlem. She accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior at a very young age.

Marion was educated in the New York City Public school system; she graduat­ed from Strauben Mueller High School, in New York, New York. Following her gradua­tion, she worked for the New York Telephone Company, The United States Post Office, and the Board of Education. In 1954, she met Herbert Nelson and married him in October, 1955. This union later resulted in a 59-year marriage. The marriage produced three children, Andrea, Sheila, and Herbert, Jr.

Marion was a very friendly, sweet, kind, and loving person. Marion and Her­bert loved to travel and socialize. They were frequent cruisers and members of the 715th Veterans and 369th Harlem Hell Fighter’s Associations. They settled in the Crown Heights section of Brooklyn and became active members of the neighborhood block association.

At an early age returning home from school one day Marion professed to her mother her desire to become a schoolteacher. While working as a paraprofessional at the Board of Education, her childhood dream was rekindled. Marion enrolled in Medgar Evers College and began her studies towards her degree. She worked during the day and attended classes at night. Marion received her Bachelor’s of Science in Education from Medgar Evers College and her Master’s in Education from Adelphi University. She was the only sibling in her family to go to college. This was her proudest accomplish­ment. A lifelong baptist, Marion made Wayside Baptist Church her home. She became a Deaconess, a member of The Mother’s Ministry, and was an active member of her Sun­day School class; serving for many years.

Marion leaves behind to mourn, her sister: Marguerita Callendar; her three children: Andrea Sanders, Sheila Nelson and Herbert Nelson Jr.; six grandchildren: Thomas, III, Torianna, Nichol, Trevelle, Jasmine, Herbert, III; two great-granddaughters: Dawn and Rowan. She also leaves behind daughter-in-law: Melissa Nelson; grandson-in- law: Donavon Gaines; future grandson-in law: Lavone K Simpson-O’Neal, along with a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, neighbors and friends.

Rest in peace Marion. We love you, but God loved you best!

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