Solomon Nelson Jr.

SOLOMON NELSON, JR.

A LIFE WELL LIVED

The Life Journey of Solomon Nelson, Jr.

Solomon Nelson, Jr. was born in Steele, Missouri to Solomon Nelson, Sr. and Eular Nelson (Brooks) on September 21, 1932 in Charleston, Missouri. He was the oldest of eleven children.  He was married to Margaret Nelson (Gillespie) in 1951. Margaret Nelson preceded him in death in July 2012. Seven children were born to this union. One son, Frank Robert Nelson and one daughter, Mercy Dee Nelson preceded him in death.

Solomon loved Jesus and was a willing worker at the church. He attended New Jerusalem Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Pastor Willie Bogan. When he retired from working he attended church on a regular basis. He helped the church buy a new building and often helped raise funds for the church. With great JOY he was baptized by Pastor Bogan.

Solomon left school at an early age and began working as a farm laborer and later he worked as a sharecropper in Missouri. He moved his family to Michigan City, Indiana in 1962.  He worked as a laborer at Pullman Standard Railroad box car until they closed in 1970. He worked various other jobs until he landed a job as a custodian at Bethlehem Steel Corporation. He worked at the steel mill until his retirement.

Solomon was a tall, soft spoken gentle man who was liked by all who knew him. He got great joy from traveling to visit his brothers, sisters, family and friends. He enjoyed checkers, fishing and raising a garden. He loved to ride around town in his truck shouting: “Hey Now” to everyone he met. He was respected and appreciated by family and friends. He was fondly known as “Uncle Junior” by his nieces and nephews. His home was always open to visitors. He fed anyone who was hungry or needed a place to sleep. Solomon truly loved everyone.

On December 23, 2020 while at home with his family, God sent an angel to bring his servant to his heavenly home at the age of 88. He was preceded in death by his wife Margaret Nelson, three brothers, Obadiah Nelson, Walter Nelson and Louis Nelson.  Three sisters preceded him in death, Lilly Kent, Eddie Mae Wright and Phylonia Pickney.

Solomon leaves a long line of loved ones to cherish his memories. Solomon was a devoted husband to Margaret Nelson for over 60 years. He was a wonderful father to his family.  Solomon leaves to cherish his memories, his three sons, Lee Nelson, Chicago, Illinois; Joe Nelson, Michigan City, Indiana; and Jabu Woodard, Murfreesboro, Tennessee; four daughters i Marilyn Nelson, Michigan City, Indiana; Yvonne Nelson, Detroit, Michigan; Peggy Sims, Michigan City, Indiana; and Margaret (Sherman) Pittman, Michigan City, Indiana; three sisters Ruby Scott, St. Louis, Missouri; Catherine Davis, Detroit, Michigan; and Mary Gillespie, Columbia, Missouri; one brother John Nelson, Houston, Texas; Along with a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousin and friends.

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