Mrs. Geraldine Nelson

Nelson ~ Geraldine Williams Nelson, affectionately known as Nana by her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and family friends, was born to Teotha and Mamie Whitehead Williams October 22, 1939, in Laurens County, Georgia. She would be their only child, as Mamie passed away three days after giving birth. Geraldine was reared by her paternal grandparents, Willie and Cynthia Williams, until age 11. At that time, Major and Artis Whitehead Brooks (her mother’s sister) brought her to live with them in Jacksonville, Florida, as they had no biological children of their own. Geraldine obtained her education in Jacksonville, graduating from Matthew Gilbert High school (Class of 1956) and Edward Waters College (Accounting).

Geraldine met and married Deacon Charles LaVant. Three children were born to this union. Later in life, she wed Reverend Anthony Nelson and became not only the First Lady in his life, but also was to become the First Lady of the church he pastored for seven years prior to his death, Saint Mark Baptist Church of New Berlin. She worked diligently at his side as he performed his pastoral duties. One of her life’s joys was working in and for her church and participating in the associations and activities at each church she attended. She was a former member of Greater Mount Salem Baptist Church and began attending Dayspring Baptist church in 2015, later becoming an official member.

Geraldine had a varied career which included her favorites, working for Ivey’s (now Dillard’s) first in the credit department and then as an Associate Buyer. She finished out her career with Barnett Banks Trust Company, working in Bond Administration. 

Family was deeply important to Geraldine, and she showered her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren with love and affection. One of her favorite times to display this was at Christmas, which she looked forward to every year. She went over and beyond to make it magical for her children and grandchildren. From her annual Christmas get-together to her growing Christmas décor collection that included Christmas villages that became towns and her beautifully decorated tree, her holiday spirit always left people in awe, especially her grandchildren.

Geraldine welcomed many into her heart and home, accepting them as an extended part of her family and serving as a surrogate mother to many others. Wherever she went, she always had a sweet smile on her face and Christ in her heart. While finishing her earthly journey at River City Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, she witnessed to many people and led them to Christ.

By whichever name she was called by her family, loved ones or friends (Mama, Nana, Geri, Mama G), she will be forever remembered for her elegance, poise, hospitality, and kind spirit.

She leaves to forever cherish her memory, daughter, Angelia LaVant Hiers (Nilo); sons, Dr. Bruce LaVant (Berneither), and Reginald LaVant (Robin); step-daughter, Antionette Nelson; grandchildren, Olin Hiers, Andraéa LaVant, Alexandria LaVant Johnson (Gary), Elon Hiers (Sarah), Lia Hiers Willems (Jason), Bristen LaVant, Ashley and Ashton Clayton, Altoria McKinney, Joycelynn Golphin and Roderick, Rodericka and Antwan Baker;  great-grands, Evan, Skylar, Miles, Konah and Jasper Hiers, Jason (JP) Willems, Jori Johnson and Alterria Sanderson; numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, cousins, other relatives and friends, including her cousin/sister, Barbara Wilcox; dear friends, Ruth Patterson, Phyllis Gilyard and Frances Motes; special nephews, Victor (Felechia) LaVant, Kevin (Sylvia) LaVant, Minkah Prier,  Marvin Prier; special aunt, Shirley Kohn and adopted family Carolyn and Calvin Rollins.

Celebration of Life service for Mrs. Geraldine Williams Nelson will be 11:00AM Friday, December 23, 2022 at Dayspring Baptist Church, 5654 Dunn Avenue, Dr. Jeffrey Rumlin, Pastor.  Visitation Thursday from 5 – 7:00 PM at The Soutel Chapel.  Interment at Gethsemane Memorial Gardens, 800 Hammond Boulevard.  Because of the love of her family, arrangements entrusted to J. E. Fralin & Sons Funeral & Cremation Services, 5065 Soutel Drive, 904-924-9400

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