Ella D. Nelson

Ella Delores Nelson, an only child and the daughter of Edna Goynes and the late Roland Goynes was born on April 15, 1930. She departed this earthly life to eternal life on Tuesday, February 17, 2004.At an early age, Ella joined the church at Whatcoat M.E. on Pine And Franklin Streets, which is now Union Memorial United Methodist Church. She loved and knew the Lord and made sure that her children were involved in the life of the church through youth groups, Sunday school and vacation bible school.Ella was a bright student and excelled in academic pursuits. She attended Booker T. Washington Jr. High and Frederick Douglass High School where she graduated with honors in June 1947. Although small in stature, Ella was an athlete who played basketball and even earned the right to wear Douglass school insignia. She completed some undergraduate work at Morgan State but relocated to join her military husband in California.Ella was joined in holy matrimony to the late Randolph Nelson, Sr., and from this union, they were blessed with six children. Her three girls and three boys were the center of her life and there was nothing that she would not do for them. As the wife of a career army man, she traveled extensively around the country and abroad with her family. Her fun spirit was evident when she played pinochle and board games with family and friends. She enjoyed crossword puzzles and reading short stories. One of her favorite publications was the Readers’s Digest. She also enjoyed dinner theatres, church productions and concerts. Shopping with her daughters was also a favorite pastime.Most of her life was centered on raising her family and later on spoiling her grandchildren. In 1970, she worked briefly for the Department of Commerce Census Bureau and later for the United States Postal Service. For several years she worked for the Social Security Administration in Claims receiving numerous awards and promotions until her retirement. While working for the SSA, she volunteered with her colleagues to deliver food for the Meals on Wheels Program.Ella was a dedicated wife and mother actively involved in the life of her children and grandchildren. She served as a Girl Scouts Assistant and helped with fundraisers and special programs with the local PTA. She made time to maintain her relationship with her high school classmates and served periodically as secretary for the Douglass Alumni.She was a loving kind-hearted person, who touched the lives of everyone around her.She leaves to mourn her mother Edna Goynes; her daughters, Patricia, Sheryl and Deborah; her sons, Randolph Jr., Reginald and David; her grandchildren, Tyree Sr., Roshaun, Jamel, Ariel, Ayanna and Kira; her great-grandchildren, Tyree Jr., Shannon, Brendan and Cameron; numerous cousins and beloved friends.

Tributes

Ella D. Nelson

April 15, 1930 - February 17, 2004