Mr. Nelson Shields

Mr. Nelson Shields, Jr. was born in Newport News, Virginia on October 9, 1938, to the late Nelson Sr.  and Lucille Hardy Shields-Jasper.  He was also raised in part by his Aunt Mattie Simpson, who affectionately nicknamed him “Lil Bubba.” 

Aunt Mattie’s son, Charles Simpson (Big Bubba) and Nelson, were more like brothers than cousins. Nelson and Big Bubba joined a singing group called The Leaders in Virginia and pursued their dreams and traveled to New York City where they performed on Showtime at the Apollo talent show. The Leaders recorded “Stormy Weather” and “Nobody Loves Me" (written by Lil Bubba).  His real true passion was singing with The Leaders and The Velours in New York, which recorded the song “Can I Come Over Tonight”.

Nelson loved to go back home to Virginia to visit his mother, Aunt Mattie, family, and friends he left behind but never forgot!  As he got older his mother nicknamed him “Snack Snack” because Nelson loved to eat lots of snacks.  He also loved attending Sunday School at the United House of Prayer for All People.

Guided by determination, Nelson later relocated to Brooklyn, New York, where he dedicated 30 years to the U.S. Postal Service.  After a rewarding career, he retired and returned to Virginia before eventually settling in Orlando, Florida.

Nelson was a man who loved the Lord with all his heart.  He found great joy in studying and discussing the Bible.  He was ordained as a Deacon at Triumphant Living Non-Denomination Church.  He was always eager to share wisdom, insight and spiritual guidance to anyone willing to listen!

Another passion of Nelson’s was his love for the game of basketball.   He loved basketball so much that he became a coach to countless young people (EYSF Panthers and the Junior Magic). He not only coached the kids in basketball, but also mentored them, shaping character, discipline and confidence as they learned the game.  His impact reached far beyond wins and losses – he taught life lessons that they will endure for years to come. In quiet moments, Nelson found peace in drawing, long phone calls filled with singing, laughter, reflections, and deep discussions. 

Above all, Nelson cherished his family.  He is survived by his beloved wife Jane, his seven daughters: Pat, Darlene, Vicky (Tyrone), Babs (Adrian), Rhonda (Aaron), Desiree (Dwight) and Denessa, his sister Predella (Tyrone) and brother Robert (Loretta), and eleven grandchildren, three great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and a host of other family members and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, son Nelson III, three sisters, Margaret, Yvonne and Claretta, and brother Nathaniel. He lovingly carried their memories in his heart.

Nelson Shields, Jr. memory lingers sweetly in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.  We find comfort in knowing that he lived a full and joyful life, one that was marked by service, faith, love, and lasting impacts.

It is the desire of the Shields family that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

The family of Mr. Nelson Shields has entrusted his final care to C. C. Carter Funeral Home.

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