I am Darrell Cedex Nelson, and I left this world at 67 years old. I was born October 15, 1957, in Texarkana, Arkansas to Elaine Miller Nelson and Robert Nelson. I lived my entire life in the big city of Texarkana, Texas. I accepted the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at a young age at Polly Chapel Baptist Church. I lived to the fullest by pouring my life into others as an offering to God because I believe there is no greater love than to lay down one's life for family and friends.
Many say I was an upstanding family member, a loving brother, and a wonderful father figure which blessed my heart since I never had my own biological children. My goal was to be a shining light to everyone who I met and ministered to. For me, happiness was playing a simple game of heads-up dominoes. I also enjoyed hosting parties. What God gave me was a gift, and this may be my biggest one yet.
When it came to business, I dedicated twelve years of my life to the "House of Prayer Ministry" where I encouraged and served people at the Highrise by providing food to those in need. I also received an "Outstanding Community Partner" award from the University of Arkansas for Medical Services Translational Research Institute in appreciation of my commitment and exceptional service as a community adviser for the Transactional Research Institute. I was a lover of people and a servant at heart. Who I became as a person, was my gift back to God.
I was preceded in death by my dear mother and father who was a World War II veteran. Also preceding me in death was my oldest sister, Gwynda Laine Nelson, and baby brother, Dwight Nelson.
I leave to cherish my life and legacy to my oldest sister, Katheryn Nelson Houston and her husband Stuart of Arlington, Texas. I also leave: nephew, Dwayne Nelson of Texarkana, Texas; niece, Lawanda Nelson of Texarkana, Texas; one great-nephew, Elijah Lee Davis of Clarksville, Texas; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, special friends, and Wanda Givens who stood in the gap and helped take care of me during my illness.
I will miss each and every one of you, but I feel so much better now. Wow, it feels great being in the presence of God.