Hortense Evangelia Nelson

Hortense Evangelia Nelson aka Joyce, Honey, Mother, Duchess Hortense Evangelia Nelson passed away at home on July 28, 2020 in Las Vegas, NV. This vivacious woman passed at the tender age of 84. Hortense had a confident, stubborn and steadfast personality that touched the lives of many. Hortense was born August 22, 1935, in Newport News, Virginia to Sherman Williams (Father) and Hortense Elizabeth Walker (Mother, aka “Nana”). She attended Phoenix High School in Hampton, Virginia. Hortense is survived by three siblings; Edith Jones (San Diego, CA), Tyrone Walker (Newport News, VA) and Lafayette Walker (Queens, NY). Edith has said that due to the large age gap between them, she often felt that she was treated more like a daughter than a sister. It was during her youth that she met the man that would later become the love of her life, Charles P. Nelson. The couple married on June 10, 1954 in Baltimore, Maryland. While Charles dutifully served his county in the US Army, he and “Joyce” traveled the world with their children. The couple had nine children and are survived by eight. In 1972, after Charles’ retirement from the Army, the Nelsons planted roots in Las Vegas, NV. She was a woman of many talents, not the least of which was her passion for nursing. Joyce was known to love God, her children and nice things, though maybe not always in that order. She came to know the Lord at a young age and attended the House of Prayer, Church of God in Christ. She often spoke to any who would listen of her love of God and the tenants about the lords’ lessons passed down to her by her mother and Aunt Mag. She loved the company of her grandchildren and had a passion for sewing, roses and she loved a good bargain. Although most know of her occupation as a nurse, few know of her experience as a Housekeeping Inspectress working in the Las Vegas hotel industry for many years. She’s survived by 8 children; Charles Mugynei of Portsmouth, VA, Giovanna Lawson, Melvin Nelson, Vertanya Nelson, Renee Nelson, and Sonya Wells (Yul) of Las Vegas, NV, Delores Phillips (Charles) of Billing, Montana and Latasha Embry (Brian) of Albuquerque, New Mexico. She is also survived by 20 grandchildren and 57 great grandchildren. Hortense lived a long life but we are all happy for her homegoing where she can rejoin her husband in the loving embrace of the Lord. Mother, we love you, will miss you and are joyous for the place you held in all of our lives.

Hortense Evangelia Nelson

August 22, 1935 - July 28, 2020