Isaiah "Zeke" Nelson

Isaiah “Zeke” Nelson was born September 11, 1939 in Logan County, West Virginia to Eddie and Clara Beatrice (Clay) Nelson. His family moved to Huntington, West Virginia in 1943. Isaiah attended Barnett Elementary and Douglas High before the family moved to Proctorville, Ohio. There, Isaiah attended and graduated from Fairland High School. Upon his graduation from High School Isaiah enrolled Marshall University. During this time the war in Vietnam was raging. Young men were being encouraged to serve their country by joining the military. Therefore, rather than being drafted, Isaiah volunteered and joined the United States Marine Corp in 1960 and entered active duty in Parris Island, South Carolina. Isaiah married Marva Jean Walker of Logan County, West Virginia July 1, 1963. He proudly served his country with distinction and valor for 26 years, 2 months, and 18 days. During his Military career Isaiah was selected to be one of the first Marines to operate and supervise the ANTHOS Tanks crew. During his second tour of duty in Viet Nam Isaiah was severely wounded in action. For his unflinching sacrifice Isaiah was honored with 2 Purple Hearts, The Silver Star, The Bronze Star, 5 Vietnam Service Medals, The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Cross of Gallantry, 6 Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Combat Action, Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation, 3 Letters of Appreciation, Navy Achievement Medal and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. Upon his retirement after 26 faithful years to the Marines, Isaiah received an honorable discharge. He retired with the rank of Master Sergeant (E8), which is the second highest enlisted rank. Also, during his Military career, Isaiah was stationed around the globe including but not limited to Japan, The Philippines, Thailand, Hawaii, a short tour with the United States Navy. And retired at Camp LeJeune. Due to the severity of injuries sustained in combat, Isaiah was designated as a 100% disabled Veteran. Because of his fortitude Isaiah did not let this disability stop him. He continued service to his country by working at the United States Postal Service for over 20 years. Isaiah’s distinguished Military career was supported by his loving wife Marva Jean and his daughters Lawanna Kelly Jean and Latasha Yarbrough Alexander. Upon retirement from the Marine Corp Isaiah continued supporting his family by becoming a Certified Locksmith, a Correctional Officer in Onslow County, NC and began his career in the United States Post Office. While living in Jacksonville, Isaiah joined Mt Horeb Lodge #43 of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of North Carolina. During his Masonic journey, Brother Nelson proved himself a worthy and well-qualified Brother, and his Lodge saw fit to elect Brother Nelson as Worshipful Master in 1993. Past Master Nelson also was GIG 33rd Degree with Lewis Mingo Consistory #316, and member of Arabian Temple #73 of New Bern, NC. In 1994 Isaiah and Marva moved to Huntington, West Virginia to help his elderly parents. Isaiah was able to transfer his US Postal Service job to Huntington, WV. Isaiah reaffiliated his membership at Calvary Baptist Church and became a Deacon under Pastor Franklin Murphy’s stewardship. On July 14, 2000 Isaiah lost his wife Marva after a short battle with cancer. In 2001, Isaiah married JoAnn Bradshaw. Isaiah retired from the US Postal Service in 1986. In his spare time, he volunteered at the Veterans Administration Hospital. Isaiah was preceded in death by his parents Pastor Eddie and First Lady Clara Nelson, his wife Marva Jean, brother Edgar Nelson, Brother Earl Michael Nelson, Brother John Lewis Nelson, Sister Mary Louise Garrett, Brother Eddie Jr. Nelson, Sister Peggy Yvonne Friday, and Brother James Oliver Nelson. He is survived by His wife JoAnn Bradshaw Nelson, daughters Lawanna Kelly Jean Nelson and Latasha Yarbrough Alexander, (Clay) Alexander, Stepchildren Kim (Harvey) Austin, David (Sarah) Bradshaw, Shawn (Derek) Grier. Grandchildren Telford “TJ” Simpson, Chaila Cymone Yarbrough, Step Grandchildren, Dez Bradshaw, Ana Bradshaw, David Bradshaw, Aja Austin & Donavon Grier. Isaiah was also survived by brother Willie Eugene Nelson (Evelyn deceased), Charles Curtis (Barbara) Nelson, and sister Annette Marie (Michael) Smith. “Uncle Zeke” also leaves his legacy to dozens nieces and nephews. His nephew James Oliver Nelson, Jr.” Jimmy” lived with Uncle Zeke and his family in Jacksonville, NC and retired Marine Autley Davis Brice, who he considers to be more like a son, and he also leaves a host of nieces, nephews and friends who loved him dearly. A Home Going service will be 12:00 P.M., Saturday, September 7, 2024 at Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, Huntington, WV, with Rev. Franklin Murphy Sr. Officiating. Interment will follow at Spring Hill Cemetery, Huntington, WV. Visitation will be 11:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M., Saturday, September 7, 2024 at Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, Huntington, WV. Ferrell-Chambers Funeral Home, Huntington, WV is handling arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ferrell-chambersfuneralhome.com.

Isaiah "Zeke" Nelson

September 11, 1939 - August 31, 2024