Life and Legacy of Minister Otis Henry Nelson:

Otis Henry Nelson was the embodiment of love, humility, strength, perseverance, stewardship, and godliness.

He was welcomed into this world on April 21, 1945 to the late Humphrey Maxwell Nelson and Lydia Bell (Felton) Nelson. Emulating his parents' Christian traits he began his Christian journey after baptism at the Little John Baptist Church.

A product of the Shelby County School System, Otis attended and graduated from Shelby County Training School in Woodstock, Tennessee. After which, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he served his country and was awarded many distinguished medals; Pistol Sharpshooter, Rifle Expert, Aircraft Mechanic National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Conduct Medal, and Armed Forces Reserve Medal.

On June 6, 1965, he married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Ann Mallory. To that union, one daughter was born, Sherlita Renee Nelson.

After serving in the Armed Forces, he returned home and began a career in the automobile business. He was often recognized as top salesman and was selected as the 1st black salesman to attend the Ford Dealership Development Training Program in Dearborn Michigan. His career later advanced to finance management, securities and financial planning.

In adulthood, the guiding principles of being an impactful Christian were shared when he served as a deacon and became ministry certified in January 1997. He was ordained February 10, 2010 at New Life Christian church where he became minister of a very faithful and serving congregation. His ministry led him to Nursing Home Ministries and Long Term Care Facility Ministries. He later United with the Breath of Life Christian Center under the leadership of Dr. Sammie Holloway.

As a philanthropist, he donated to those in need and many charitable organizations. As a civil rights advocate, he marched across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama and the Black Sanitation Workers' March in Memphis, Tennessee. As an intercessor, he prayed for his family and friends every morning and sent prayer and meditation scriptures daily.

Otis was preceded in death by his parents Humphrey and Lydia Bell Nelson and eleven siblings.

He leaves to cherish his lovely memories: Devoted wife of 56 years, Barbara A. Nelson; daughter, Sherlita Nelson-Denton (Darryl); Sister, Gwendolyn A. Duncan; Sisters-in-law, Earnestine Gibson and Careline Howard; Brothers-in-law, Henry Mallory, Jr. (Linda) and Melvin Mallory (Vernice); Grandchildren, Mallorie Brooke Houston (Brandon) and Bradley Nelson Denton, Great- grandchildren; Aliyah Grace Denton, Kathryn Rose Denton and Leilani Belle Houston; a host of nieces, nephews, extended family; Tina (Michael) and David Michael Anderson, friends and neighbors.

As our patriarch, his love, wisdom, and faith in God will continue to encourage us and will never be forgotten.