Helena Nelson
Helena Nelson, age 97, of Egg Harbor Township, formally of Atlantic City, peacefully transitioned to her Lord and Savior surrounded by her family on Thursday, May 22, 2025.
Mrs. Nelson was born in the Atlantic City Hospital on August 13, 1927 to Thomas & Jeanette (Bond) Irvin. Mrs. Nelson was educated in the Atlantic City Public School System, graduating from high school in 1945. She also attended New Jersey College of Commerce.
At a very young age, she always attended Sunday School and later, at the age of 11, she joined the newly organized Youth Choir at Second Baptist Church. She became president and a soloist for the next 12 years. and released a single for the church.
She was a featured soloist who performed many concerts at the church. Her favorite song was…”Does Jesus Care”. During this time, she was in the B.Y.P.U., Hostesses, and Junior Missionary ministries.
She was baptized on September 16, 1945 by Rev. M.B. Gaines.
Her years as a junior Missionary instilled in her the desire to nurture and care for the sick and disabled, and all who needed her assistance, which also blessed her with the love of people during her career with the Atlantic County Government Department of Social Services. She retired as Supervisor of Accounts in 1988 after 28 years of service.
Helena married the love of her life, Cyrus Earl Nelson, Sr. on March 17, 1947. From that union were born 4 children: Nathaniel E. Nelson, Brenda E. Nelson, Donna P. Nelson-Lee, and Cyrus E. Nelson, Jr.
She continued to be active in all facets of Second Baptist Church, where she served on the I.S. Cole Scholarship Committee and Club Concordia, but decided that being an usher gave her much more satisfaction interacting with people. She served as an usher for more than fifty years, serving as the Secretary of the Senior Usher Ministry until she was unable to continue.
Helena, in her nineties, enjoyed socializing with the Golden Circle where she was an original member and sang with the Golden Circle Chorale. The Chorale performed at nursing homes and special events. She valued more than anything else, spending time with family, friends and her church family.
Her favorite Bible verse was Philippians 4:13. “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me”
Her words of wisdom were always: “Follow the footsteps of God and you’ll never walk alone”.
Mrs. Nelson was preceded in death by her husband Cyrus Sr, parents Thomas and Jeanette, son Nathaniel, daughter Brenda, siblings Andrew Irvin, Reginald Irvin, Janice Charman and Frieda Irvin. She leaves to cherish her memories her daughter Donna Nelson-Lee (Kevin), son Cyrus (Cy) E. Nelson, Jr., grandsons Maurice Williams and Bryan Nelson, granddaughter Jennifer Ramos, 2 step granddaughters, Kristina and Tiara, 3 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandson. Special daughters Lois Izes, Angela Stewart, Roz Kincaid, Sharon Johnson and Linda Brooks. Special sons Kenneth Robinson (Sonya) and Kevin Peterson (Stephanie), a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends, and her friend of over 90 years Alberta W. Watkins.
Lovingly Submitted,
The Family