Jessie Nelson

ELDER JESSIE NELSON, 82, of Ranger, WV, was wrapped in arms of purest love and carried home to meet his Lord and Savior on May 23, 2019.  He was born on May 20, 1937, the son of the Late Charlie Milton and Lizzie Workman Nelson.  He was preceded in death by brothers Ossie, Elvie, Charlie Milton II, Winfield, Spencer, and Lewie Nelson along with four sisters Mary Isaacs, Lola Webb, Lilly Inez Williamson, and Ruthie Mae Maynard, as well as one daughter Connie Gail Nelson.  Jessie was the oldest surviving member of his family and longtime patriarch to many beloved nieces and nephews whom he loved as his own.

Jessie is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Maxine Kay Neace Nelson, whom he adored above all.  Also surviving are five children, Lenford Earl Nelson and wife Sharon of Ranger, Charles Floyd Nelson and wife Samantha of Harts, WV, Elbert Odell Nelson of Ranger, Ronnie Dale Nelson and wife Albanie of Branchland, WV and Lizzie Beth Nelson-Shanteau of Mt. Juliet, TN.  He also leaves behind a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, friends, neighbors, and brothers and sisters in Christ.

Jessie served in the armed forces from 1958 through 1959 and patrolled the DMZ in Korea during times of grave danger. He was proud to have been a veteran of the United States Army. He retired from the West Virginia Department of Highways in 1995 and spent his time gardening and loving his many grandchildren.  

Jessie dedicated his life to the Lord and was baptized in 1967. He was a founding member of the Elm Grove United Baptist Church where he served as Pastor until his health no longer allowed him to perform his duties. He was ordained as a Minister of the faith in 1980. He served as Moderator of the Union Bethlehem Association from 2007 to 2015 and remained an advisor on faith issues until he departed this life.  Jessie traveled throughout West Virginia, Kentucky and Ohio preaching the Gospel for a great many years and never wavered in his faith. He was a great light to many in his community and beyond. His footsteps serve as an example for us all because he touched the lives of so many that he came in contact with, always proclaiming his love for the Lord.  

Though Brother Jessie will be sorely missed, we rest in the surest knowledge that he is singing a brand new song with the angels and kneeling at the throne of God, thanking him for a peace and love that mortal man can only imagine.

Mathew 25:23 - His Lord said unto him, “well done ye good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things I will make you ruler over many: enter thou into the joy of the LORD.”

            Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Sunday, May 26, 2019 at the Elm Grove United Baptist Church with Elders Steve McGuire, Berman Miller, Darrell Miller, and Roger McGuire officiating.  Burial will follow at the Weltha Nelson Cemetery.  Visitation will begin at 6 p.m. Saturday at the church.  Johnson Tiller Funeral Home is honored to serve the Nelson family.

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