William Dwight Nelson

Life’s Reflections

Dwight

Nelson was born in Slayden, Mississippi, on January 9, 1953. He was the youngest son and fifth child to the late Johnnie Lee Nelson and Mildred Brown Nelson. Having been brought up in a Christian home, William accepted Christ at an early age at Concord Missionary Baptist Church in Slayden, Mississippi. He later became a member of Golden Gate Cathedral, where he remained a faithful member and served on the Usher ministry until he answered God’s call and departed his earthly home on Thursday, August 23, 2023, in Memphis, Tennessee.

William was educated in the Mississippi and Memphis City School systems. He also received vocational education from William R. Moore, Trezevant Vo-Tech, and Memphis Light Gas & Water University (MLGW). He was employed by MLGW in multiple capacities until he retired after being a dedicated employee for over 25 years. Six months after retirement, he stepped out on faith and fulfilled his goal of opening his own business, Nelson’s Heating and Air, which later became DeanNelson Heating and Air through a partnership with Terrell Dean.

Although the family was William’s priority, he was captured by his passion for giving back to his community and joined the North Memphis Civic Club. There, he led a number of successful neighborhood initiatives. William was a quiet and observant man but generous with his talents and resources. Whenever he perceived a need, he would contribute in any way he could.

William’s legacy will be remembered and honored by his devoted wife of 42 years, Alma Nelson; four daughters, Tamara Buckner, Cheryl (Darryl) Banks, Wendy Bass, Linda “Faye” (Roy) Love; two sons: Kennedy Smith, Robin (Karen) Bass; two sisters: Jeanette (Everette) Mitchell, Mildred Raynor; one brother: Robert (Jeffrie) Nelson. Bonus siblings: Evia Harris, Charles Gardner, Alfreda (Terry) Douglas, Diann (Clark) Johnson, Alfonzo (Kim) Sugars, Andrew Sugars, Sylvester (Mary) Sugars, Melvin Sugars; an uncle, Clarence Leggett; an aunt, Mattie Kelly, five grandchildren; Kennede´ Smith, Robin Bass II, Amber (Torenzo) Quinn, Kyla Banks, Ryan (Chesney) Knowles; and 11 greatgrandchildren. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, very close friends, and loved ones.

Two brothers, John Nelson and Earnest Isom; four sisters, Bettie Wilson, June Gardner, Carolyn Nickleberry, and Cathy Robinson; and one son in love, Carl Buckner, preceded him in death.

Order of Celebration

Thursday, August 31, 2023

10:00 A.M.

Golden Gate Cathedral

3240 James Road • Memphis, Tennessee 38128

Bishop Edward H. Stephens, Jr., Senior Pastor

Processional

Scripture Readings: The Old Testament........................................................................................Evangelist Shasta Blue The New Testament............................................................................Pastor Clarence Marshall, Jr.

Prayer of Comfort................................................................................Pastor Jacquez M. Hicks - Sweeney Hunter Avenue Missionary Baptist Church

Musical Tribute..................................................................................................................Terrence Jackson

Remembering Dwight

(Respectfully, Three Minutes Please)

Diane Jones - GGC Usher Ministry

Terrell Dean - Business Partner

Mose Green - Co-Worker & Friend

Alonzo Morman, Sr. - Family

Words of Comfort.........................................................................................................Bishop Jerry Jackson Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church

Acknowledgements...............................................................................................................Andrea Harden

Resolution................................................................................................................Golden Gate Cathedral

A Tribute to My Husband

Musical Tribute.........................................................................................................GGC Musical Ministry

Eulogy..........................................................................................................Bishop Edward H. Stephens, Jr.

Recessional

Remains will not be viewed after Eulogy

The Broken Chain

We little knew that morning that God was going to call your name. In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone; for part of us went with you, the day God called you home. You left us peaceful memories, your love is still our guide; and though we cannot see you, you are always at our side. Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same; but as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.

Love

Until We Meet Again

You have never been forgotten, We hold you close with our hearts

To walk and guide us through our lives, Until we meet again.

Love, Tookie, Wendy & Faye

Anyone can be a Father, but it takes someone special to be a Dad. Thank you for being the dad you didn’t have to be and loving us as your own. Forever grateful.

Your sons, Darryl and Robin

Tamara “Bouk” and Ken

William’s love and servitude that he exemplified has been evident in the many lives he impacted. He was an amazing husband, father, brother, uncle and mentor to anyone that would allow him the opportunity to speak into their life.

The family of William Dwight Nelson would like to express our sincere gratitude for your prayers, your presence, words of comfort, and other acts of kindness during our time of bereavement. A special thank you to our church families, Golden Gate Cathedral and Hunter Avenue Missionary Baptist Church. We will forever be grateful for your unselfish love and support. The Blessings of the Lord be upon you, we bless you in the Name of the Lord (Psalms 129:8).

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