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TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF DEACON ELIJAH NELSON, SR., OF SUMTER AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives were deeply saddened by the passing of Deacon Elijah Nelson, Sr., of Sumter on January 26, 2018, at the venerable age of eighty-two; and
Whereas, born August 27, 1935, this native of Summerton was the son of Julius Nelson and Rosa Rhames Nelson. At a young age, Elijah moved with his family to Sumter County to make a better life. He went to work at age thirteen and began his journey to independence. He also accepted Christ into his life and was baptized in 1954 at Jehovah Missionary Baptist Church; and
Whereas, in 1955, when both were but teenagers, Elijah wed Elizabeth Gardner of Sumter, and the couple, much admired for their fine example to the community, raised seven children; and
Whereas, Elijah began his career with a post as a long-distance truck driver. After leaving the trucking industry, he worked as a carpenter's apprentice and then was employed with Avery Lumber Company for more than twenty-seven years. This master carpenter also worked in painting, plumbing, and welding for many years and with most lumber companies in the area; and
Whereas, a sharp mathematician and skilled laborer, Elijah had a strong work ethic and knew how to get the job done effectively and efficiently to the customer's satisfaction. He also worked for the City of Sumter, from which he retired in 2014; and
Whereas, this strong family man and strong leader not only raised his own children but also helped raise dozens of nieces, nephews, and children from the community; and
Whereas, Elijah Nelson served the Lord faithfully at Jehovah Missionary Baptist Church for more than half a century. He was very proud of having served as a carpenter in constructing the current church building on Harvin Street. In addition, he served in the community as a leader with the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts and as a member of the NAACP, Habitat House Construction, and the Masons. In recognition of his spirit of excellence and dedicated service, in December 2017 he was granted the Berea Seventh-Day Adventist Church Community Service Award; and
Whereas, having been predeceased by two of his children, Beverly and Wendell, Deacon Nelson leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Elizabeth Gardner Nelson; five children, Elijah (Melissa) Nelson, Jr., Roger (Susie) Nelson, Derrick Nelson, Debra Bradley, and Brenda Nelson; and a host of other family members and friends. He will be missed. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, express their profound sorrow upon the passing of Deacon Elijah Nelson, Sr., of Sumter and extend the deepest sympathy to his family and many friends.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Mrs. Elizabeth Gardner Nelson for the family.
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