Alvin J. Nelson

Bishop Alvin J. Nelson
Syracuse
Bishop Alvin J. Nelson, 78, of Syracuse, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday at St. Joseph's Hospital. He was born on July 4, 1930, in Laurence County, SC. He married his childhood sweetheart, Mable Pyles, on September 6, 1950. He and his wife co-founded Holy Temple No. 1, Utica, and Holy Temple No. 2, Syracuse. He was the Suffragan Bishop of District #3 of the NYS Council. He devoted his life to caring for his family and his ministry. He was preceded in death by his parents; 2 sisters; 1 brother, Willie Edwards; and 1 daughter, Phyllis Nelson. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, companion and best friend of 58 years, Evg. Mable Nelson of Dewitt; 1 daughter, Beverly Matos (George) of Jamesville; 2 sons, Elder Alvin W. Nelson (Lindell) of Syracuse and Rickie A. Nelson (Antoinette) of Syracuse; 2 sisters, Lydia Smith of Washington, D.C., and Lula Graham of Tuzkey, GA; 9 grandchildren; and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren and friends. Calling hours are 4-8 p.m., Wednesday, at Holy Temple No. 2, 643 W. Onondaga St., Syracuse. Homegoing service 11 a.m., Thursday, at Bethany Baptist Church, 149 Beattie St., Syracuse. Burial in Oakwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Holy Temple No. 2. Arrangements by Garland Bros. Funeral Home, Syracuse 475-0285.
Bishop Nelson