Theardis Nelson Sr.

Dr. Theardis (Ted) Nelson Ed.D January 6th, 1943-May 7th, 2023 Fairfield, CA Theardis (Ted) Nelson was born to the union of James Nelson and Josie Lee (Sumpter) Nelson on January 6th, 1943. Ted was the youngest sibling in a loving family of four children. At the age of eighteen months, Ted came to California with his parents from Doddridge, Arkansas, specifically from a small community named Kiblah. Ted spent his formative years of schooling in Richmond, California at Stege Elementary school. His Secondary school experience was in Berkeley, California and started when he entered Burbank Junior High School and graduated from Berkeley High School in 1960. Upon graduation from high school Ted attended a California Community College in Southern California. When he returned home, he met and married Frances Gholson Nelson, and three children were born from this union. Ted's Community College experience encouraged him to pursue and earn a Bachelor’s Degree, in Sociology, Master's Degree in Counseling, and a Doctorate Degree in Organization Leadership. Ted was a dedicated educator and worked as a School District Administrator, High School Principal, Assistant Principal, and Adjunct Social Science Instructor at several Community Colleges. He was passionate about helping young people succeed and was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. Ted was a devoted Christian and served in various roles at his church, including Coordinator of "One Church, One School," Volunteer Coordinator for "Parent's on Campus Program," President of the "Male Chorus," and Coordinator of "Ministry to Men." He also tutored youth at his church and was a past member of the Solano County Civil Grand Jury. Ted loved music; he played the piano beautifully and possessed a warm tenor voice. Additionally, he had a passion for learning new languages and dedicated time every day to practice Spanish. Ted is survived by his loving wife Frances, two sons and one daughter they are: Theardis (Nicole) Nelson II, Savoy, Illinois; Tige (Nicole) Nelson, Spring, Texas; and Tiffany (Garry Jr.) Norris , Fairfield. Ted has six grandchildren that love him dearly, and they affectionately called him Papa. They are: Tajae Nelson, Tevena Nelson, Tauren Nelson, Tiana Nelson, Ari Norris, and Garry Norris III. Ted also leaves behind one brother Roosevelt (Reatha) Nelson, who lives in New Orleans, Louisiana; two very close nieces Francelle Capers, Richmond, California; Jacque Yazid-Hereford (Forrest) Sacramento, California, and a close nephew, Robert Wayne (Michelle Gaines), Richmond California. Ted's, parents James and Josie Nelson, and three sisters, Bertha Owens, Annie Mae Gaines, and Velma Leaks all preceded him in death. Ted's celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at St. Stephen CME Church. The Quiet Viewing will begin at 10 am, followed by a Eulogy Service at 11 am. The interment will be private for family only. Ted will be remembered as a kind and loving man who touched the lives of many people throughout his life. He will be greatly missed, but his legacy of service and dedication will live on.

Tributes

Theardis Nelson Sr.

January 6, 1943 - May 7, 2023