January 3, 1915 – February 13, 2011
Clarence Nelson, of St. Louis, Missouri, a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, brother-in-law, father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great grandfather and friend passed away at the age of 96 at the Missouri Veteran’s Home on Sunday, February 13, 2011 after a long illness. He was born on January 3, 1915 in Tupelo, Mississippi, to the late Tera Jones and Henry Hampton. He was the second of four children.
He later moved to St. Louis where he attended elementary and secondary school. He was proud to serve in the United States Navy, and he received an honorable discharge in 1945. On June 18, 1947, he married the love of his life, Bertha Mable Euell, and she survives. They were blessed to share their thoughts, dreams, hopes, fears,and successes for almost 65 years of marriage, and she will miss him deeply.
He was a wonderful father, mentor and a great man, who treasured his family. He was passionate about learning, and he was the epitome of a self-made man, meeting each challenge with courage, strength and compassion. Clarence was a conscientious worker and a family man who taught his children the value of hard work, education, and saving for a rainy day. He also taught each of his children that they could be anything that they wanted to be, and each would strive to actualize their dreams. Clarence was a spiritual man who kept his family close to the church, establishing Christian roots and values. Clarence was instrumental in shaping the lives of many youth in the neighborhood as he served as a stand-in dad, baseball coach and mentor.
Clarence worked as a building engineer at Southwestern Bell and AT&T for twenty six years. While there, he earned certificates in sheet metal and heating and air-conditioning, and he subsequently opened an air-conditioning business. He was a true entrepreneur who owned and operated numerous businesses throughout his life, including restaurants, lounges and an auto body repair shop.
After retirement, he enjoyed investing in, and renovating real estate. In his spare time, he immensely enjoyed cutting his grass and meticulously planting flowers and blooming bushes. He could often be seen leading his guests out of the house to observe his beautiful flowers. He loved nature, and one could often find him studying the birds that visited his freshly filled bird bath.
“Nelson,” as he was called by many, was a great inspiration and a role model to all who knew him. His friends saw him as a strong and charismatic man who lived with dignity, grace and humor.
Clarence is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and son, Clarence Mashon Nelson. He leaves to cherish his memory, five children, Rosalind Nelson, Julie Middleton (Michael), Steven Nelson (Vanessa), Armenta Simpson (Danny), and Rick Nelson (Stephanie); a sister, Rennie Buchanan; and a sister-in-law, Jeanette Euell Clark. “Papa” will be missed by his 13 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, 8 great-great grandchildren, and host of nieces, nephews and friends.
The celebration of his life will be held on Friday, February 18, 2011 at 11 a.m., with visitation from 10:30 to 11 a.m. at New Cote Brilliante Church of God, 6195 Washington Blvd. in St. Louis. Services will be officiated by Reverend Miki Merritt and son, Reverend Steven Nelson. Burial services will be coordinated by St. Louis Cremation. He will be laid to rest with military honors at Jefferson Barracks. Charitable donations may be made in memory of Clarence Nelson to the Alzheimer’s Association, 9370 Olive Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63132 or at www.alzstl.org.
Pinky Luella Elizabeth Handley, age 94, died at Northwest Manor Healthcare Center in Indianapolis, Indiana on Monday, February 14, 2011 after an extended illness.
Born August 31, 1916 to Pauline Brooks Reed and Malcolm Reed, in Monticello, Arkansas in an area known as Reed’s Settlement. It was known as Reed’s Settlement because of the large number of her family, the Reeds, living there. She lived in Arkansas until relocating to St. Louis, Missouri with her husband, Walter Thomas Handley. She was a long-time, active member of Scruggs Memorial C.M.E. Church in St. Louis.
She worked for many years in the garment industries of St. Louis and served as a union organizer seeking equality for herself and others. She also worked as an employee of Attorney Sam and Ethel Weber in care of their home and family. The two families have still remained friends through the years. She resided in St Louis until 2009 when she relocated to Richmond and ultimately Indianapolis, Indiana with her daughter, Paulette.
She was preceded in death on July 31, 1991 by her husband of 51 years, Walter Thomas Handley. She leaves behind her loving son, Walter Michael Handley; daughter, Rev. Dr. Paulette Eloise Handley Sankofa; daughter-in-law, Leah Ford Handley; granddaughters Lauren and Alexandria Handley; cousin, Rev. Eutophia Hudspeth; nephew, Kevin Lyles and his wife Felicia Lyles; as well as a host of other family and friends.
Send online condolences or sign the guest book at www.communityfamilyfh.com.
