Josh W. Nelson, Sr.

Josh W. Nelson Sr., affectionately known to family and friends as: Wendell entered this world on September 3, 1965 to Mary and Josh Nelson.

Josh received his formal education from the Philadelphia School System. He accepted Christ at a young age and grew up in Child’s Memorial Baptist Church, he later joined Love Zion Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Louis Cunningham. On Sundays you could find Josh playing the drums and singing in the choir.

 Josh began his work experience with I.U.O.E. Local 25 Marine Division as a foreman/heavy equipment operator. Over his 30-year career with the union his coworkers became his family and during this time he met his life long friend Ralph Fleming, whom he called his brother. Josh was a man of many talents, he dubbed himself the “Jack of All Trades”. He was a mechanic, contractor/carpenter, electrician, plumber, you name it he could fix it.

Josh loved life and he lived every moment to the fullest. Anywhere he went he was sure to be the life of the party. You could catch him in a jazzy outfit with some flashy shoes dancing across the floor.  He was always ready for a dance battle to display his captivating moves. If there was a mic in the room, he would be sure to grab it. Josh would sing and rap any song, especially to his all-time favorite “Must Be the Music”. Whether he was cracking jokes, lending a listening ear, giving a helping hand, or one of his deacon speeches; Josh was sure to leave a lasting impression. He lived for his family and friends and never forgot where he came from. One of his favorite things to do was to spend time with his Hemberger Street family. Josh was a die-hard Philly fan always cheering on the home teams (especially those Eagles).

Josh was called home on October 2, 2022. Josh is joyously being welcomed into heaven by his grandparents: Josh M. Nelson Sr., Ophelia Nelson, Ellen King, and Wash King.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife Tamara (Nikki) Powell, his five children, Unique Nelson, Josh Nelson Jr., Tyrell Powell, Nafesa Mears, and Kimberly Diggs; god-daughter, Siole’ Fleming; his grandchildren, Michael (MJ) Quill Jr., Jamison Powell, Milan Quill, Mireya Quill, Joshay Nelson, Oshi Nelson; three brothers, Clarance King, Felix Nelson, and Roger Williams; two brothers-in-law, William (Gary) Powell and Marius Frazier, four sisters, Julia (Ann) King-Collins, Joy (Loretta) Williams, Lorraine Nesmith, Chantelle (Chant) Nelson, and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. He also leaves a special friend, Sylvia Smith.

                                                                                                                                Lovingly Submitted,

The Family

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