James Frank Nelson

James Frank Nelson was born to the late Robert and Annie Nelson on April 11, 1921 in Shubuta, Mississippi. He was the youngest of four siblings. Frank grew up in the rural area of Shubuta as most children did in the early 1920s’ helping farm the land for the family bread and butter. Although his education was limited, his determination to be something of himself was never questionable. At the early age of 20, Frank ventured to Mobile, Alabama to see what the future had in store for him. The beautiful long hair, brown eyes charismatic, late Creola Autry Dexter caught his eye. The two were wed and spent 53 happy years of matrimonial bliss until her death in 1995. From this union Frank and Creola had four children. Annie Autry, Mary Gene, the late Rev. Dr. Willie Earl and Sharon Latice. Frank’s employment span from, Ice Deliveryman to Aircraft Mechanic with Brookley Field Air Base in Mobile until his transfer in 1963 to Columbus, Ohio. His employment in the Columbus area continued with DSCC (DCSC) until his retirement in 1983, and Ohio State University until his retirement in 1985. Frank’s Christian journey began at an early. He along with his parents and other siblings attended the local church. His journey continued when he took up residence in Mobile, he and his family attending Stone Street Baptist Church; Rev. Charles Tunstall, Pastor and being actively involved in the choir. After moving to Columbus, he did not waste any time, he found his church home with Brentnell of Columbus, Elder Ernest Hardy, Pastor and later continued his Christian journey as a member of Tabernacle Assembly, Bishop Les Simms Pastor. Frank had few hobbies, but the one that was most exciting to his heart was fishing. The only day one would not find him sitting in a boat or on the side of a river bank fishing would be Sunday. He would say, Sunday is The Lords’ Day, not a day for fishing. It was the joy and thrill of catching fish that excited him the most. Did he enjoy eating Fish? NO! The catch of the day would be shared with family and Friends. The one thing that seemed most difficult for him to do was to bait his own hook! But, rest assured once the pole was ready…So was He! Frank leaves this mortal body to join his parents Robert Annie Nelson; his late wife, Creola; a loving son, Willie Earl; a daughter-in-law, Eileen Ann; mother-in-law, Lillie Elizabeth; brother, James Percy; sister-in-law, Janie; sister; Carrie Lee and brother-in- law, Alvin James. Frank leaves to God’s love and care: three daughters and two sons-in-law, Annie Autry (Nelson) and Clayton Cole, Jr. of Edison, New Jersey; Mary Gene (Nelson) Snipes and Sharon Latice (Nelson) Anthony Robinson of Columbus, OH.; one sister, Mary Lee Taylor, of Los Angeles, CA.; one sister-in-law; Mary Magaline Pressley, of Albion, MI.; eight grandchildren; Tonya Cole, Clayton (Maureen) Cole, III, Mareichka Landry, Amber (Mark) Hatcher, Shannon Nelson, Rashad Barksdale, Rodney Barksdale, Ryan Barksdale; thirteen great--grandchildren: Christopher Bradley, Kenneth Bradley, Seneca Landry, Tasja Severson, Tammy Landry, Anthony Wilder, Rashon Barksdale, Nayana Barksdale, Ryan Cole, Kristen Cole, Matthew Cole, Maxwell Hatcher, Eileen Nelson; four great-great grandchildren; Dezjua Townsend, Davion Landry, Terrelle Ward, Terrelle Hightower; a host of nieces, nephews, church family and friends that he loved dearly.