Annie Nelson

The Matriarch of our family, Annie (Henry) Nelson, transitioned into the glorious presence of GOD with her family by her bedside on Wednesday, June 6, 2012 at the age of 86 years. Annie was born to the late Patrick and Annie Henry on December 10, 1925 in Columbus, MS. Annie was fourth of seven children of which all six preceded her in death. "Mama" or "Granny Annie", which she was affectionately called, was a dedicated mother, grandmother, great-granny, great-great-granny, aunt, mother-in-law, cousin and friend. She accepted Christ at an early age and was a faithful member of Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church before it was built at its present site, serving under the leadership of Reverend R.B. Austin. She was on many auxiliaries under his leadership. But the one she loved the most was the Senior Usher Board, on which she served diligently until her health failed, under the leadership of Reverend T. J. London. Her essence, grace, strong-will and inner faith in GOD was one of the ways she stayed strong, a trait that remained with her until the very end. Mama worked many years at the old City Cleaners on Potter Street, working countless hours to make sure that she was able to provide for her children and grandchildren, many of them she helped nurture. She retired and went on to enjoy the many years of hard work. Her hobbies were planting flowers right when spring started and making quilts as soon as fall came near. Mama, a devout Christian, a dedicated Mother and Grandmother, will be sadly missed but lovingly remembered by her family and friends. Her children will cherish her memories for many years to come. Sons, Billy (Ora) Nelson, Michael (Christine) Nelson and Clifton Griffin, all of Saginaw, MI; Daughters, Martha (Edward) Franklin of Saginaw, MI, Nancy (Henry) Johnson of Champaign, IL, Dorothy Tarver of Saginaw, MI and Regina Nelson of Dallas, TX; Grandchildren, Vernon Nelson, Kathy, Roy, Steve, Reginald and Dennis West, Charles Anthony Sledge, Jason Tarver, Yolanda and Natasha Nelson, Chanda Martin, Gregory Coleman, Justin and Davonna Nelson, Keisha Jones, Daniel Collins, Dorothy Norman, Brian, Janice and Larry Nelson, Martin Blackmon, Demetrius, Dominique and Kwasi Kidd; Daughter-in-law, Barbra Nelson; 70 Great-Grandchildren and 38 Great-Great-Grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other children who considered her their Mama. Mama was preceded in death by her Parents; Sisters, Mautilda, Bessie Mae, Mattie, Lauren, Eura Lee and close sister, Annie Pounds; Son, David Nelson; Daughter, Janice Nelson; Grandchildren, Reginald Tarver, Michael Coleman, Baby, Guy Anthony West, Courtney Nelson, David Nelson, Jr., and Great-Grandchild, Lamont Rejay Tarver. Funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at Tabernacle Baptist Church, 810 Cathay Street. Pastor Thomas J. London will officiate with interment in Forest Lawn Cemetery. Friends may call at Evans & Browne's Funeral Home, 441 N. Jefferson Ave., on Tuesday from 2:00 until 8:00 p.m.

Annie Nelson

December 10, 1925 - June 6, 2012