Juanita D Nelson

Juanita Delores Nelson was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She departed this earthly life on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 peacefully in her home with her beloved husband, Willie, by her side.

Juanita was born on March 31, 1938 in Timmonsville, South Carolina. She was the last of eleven children born to the late Eugene and Cartha Jordan to pass away. Juanita was raised in a Christian household where she was taught about the love of God, providing a foundation for the caring and kind woman that she was. She received her formal education in the Timmonsville school system and moved up North, first to New York where she was a caretaker and then to New Jersey, where she met and married Willie “Bobby” Nelson. On December 7, 1954, they celebrated 59 years of marriage. From this union was born the late Dr. Derrick Nelson.

Juanita worked as a Dietary Aide for the East Orange VA Medical Center where she retired after more than 30 years of service. She was an active member of the St. John Baptist Church in Scotch Plains, NJ where she served as a part of the culinary ministry. Dedicated to her roots in South Carolina, Juanita also enjoyed many years as a part of the New Jersey chapter of the South Carolina Club.

Juanita leaves to cherish her memory: her loving husband, Willie, precious grand-daughter, Morgan, a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and other relatives and friends. Her son, Dr. Derrick Nelson preceded her in death.