Phillip Nelson, Jr.

Phillip Nelson, Jr. was born in Newborn, Alabama on December 28, 1931 to the late Phillip Nelson, Sr. and Susie Nelson. Phillip was the oldest of seven children.

He graduated from Old Woodward High School in 1950. He joined the U.S. Navy after high school. Upon getting discharged from the Navy, he began working for H.H. Meyer Meat Packing Co. as a butcher.

On June 26, 1954, he was united in Holy Matrimony to Irma J. Hill. Three children were born to this union.

Phillip joined New Hope Baptist Church at an early age. While there, he served as a Sunday School Teacher for 30 years, served on the Trustee Board, taught Men’s Ministry, President of Youth Assembly and B.T.U. Teacher, served as a member of the Audio Ministry, the Decoration Committee and was the landscaper for the church grounds. He also served as a member of the Senior Choir #2 and the Men’s Day Choir. His community service included serving as President of the Evanston Community Council in 1960 during the riots.

He loved his church family and was looked up to by many. He loved to travel and listen to jazz music. His smile would light up a room and he never met a stranger.

Phillip was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Lucy Thomas and Gertrude McClendon and daughter-in-law, Pam Nelson.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his devoted wife, Irma Nelson; one daughter, Shari Nelson; two sons, Kevin (Cheryl) Nelson and Keefe Nelson; one granddaughter, Candice Jackson; three grandsons, Rick Jones Quincy Nelson and Korey Jackson; one godchild, Ciara Butts; two brothers, Samuel Nelson (Shirlane) of Cincinnati, Ohio and Albert Nelson (Charlotte) of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; two sisters, Susie Gibson and Jonnie Gault; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends.

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