Mom Adranna Pressley

Reflection of Life

Adranna (Nelson) Pressley was born in Summerton “Clarendon County”, South Carolina on September 13, 1939, to the late Willie Warren “Son” and Nuther (Leonard) “Sug” Nelson. She was the was the seventh child born to this union.

Adranna was educated in the Clarendon County School System. After graduating from Scotts Branch High School in 1957, she left home with hopes of bigger and better things.  These hopes landed her in Baltimore, MD and New York, NY for a brief period of time and then on to Philadelphia, PA in 1959. In 1966, she returned to South Carolina to care for her ailing parents. “Dranna” as she was affectionately called by her family, returned to Philadelphia in 1968.

Adranna was united in holy matrimony to the late Alphonso “Dock” Pressley on March 2, 1968. From this union, two children were born: Kevin Bernard and Dierdra Jeanine Pressley.

Adranna held several jobs during her early years in Philadelphia. She took pride in the relationships she built with two families with whom she was the caretaker for their children. However, most of her career with spent working for the School District of Philadelphia from 1978-2002, when she retired. She was a dedicated, hard worker who took pride in her duties and made several lifelong friends during her tenure.

 Adranna was a caring sweet spirit who lived her life with grace and style. She was very thoughtful, sending cards and well wishes on holidays, birthdays, and just because to let family and friends know she cared and was thinking about them. Many returned the favor, as her coffee table was often filled with cards. She loved her family and never hesitated to let them know. She was especially proud of her grandson “Dr. Pressley” as she affectionately called him. Her eyes would light up every time he was near. Adranna also took pride in her appearance, she was always fashionable and could wear a hat like no other, ever so slightly dipped to the right.

Adranna accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior at an early age. She was a member of Taw Caw Missionary Baptist Church in Summerton South Carolina. Upon moving to Philadelphia, she attended Cornerstone Baptist until joining the Emmanuel Institutional Baptist Church in 1961 under the leadership of the Late William L. Bentley and most recently under the Pastorate of Joseph E. Daniels. Adranna stayed a faithful member of EIBC, serving on the Women’s Day and Scholarship committees, in addition to singing on the Coral Choir of Practical Religion over 35 years.

Preceding her in death was her husband Alphonso Pressley, her brothers Willie and Tossie Nelson, three sisters Rachel Solomon, Emma Kelly and Rebecca Burgess.

She was a loving and loyal wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend.

Her Legacy Lives On

Adranna leaves to cherish her wonderful memory her son Kevin (Yvette) Pressley (PA), daughter Dierdra Pressley (MD) and grandsons Dr. Kevin Christopher Pressley, Michael and Kendell McNeil all of PA. Great grands Anura Washington and Kendell Jr. Sisters Paulette Conyers (Roger) of Sumter, SC, and Myrtle Taylor of Baltimore, MD. Brother James Nelson of Baltimore, MD. Sisters-in-law Pearline Pressley (VA) and Genevieve Pressley (NY). Brother-in-law Robert Burgess (SC). Three devoted nieces that stuck with her to the very end Donna Martin, Cathenia Corbitt and Renae Barnwell all of Philadelphia, PA. Adopted son Roy Ty Mitchell, the St. George’s who were there whenever she called; a host of very special cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends she loved dearly. 

Sorrowfully Submitted, 

The Family

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