Melva Jean Nelson

Melva J. Nelson, 90, passed away on July 24, 2025.

A memorial service will be held on August 23, 2025 at 12:00 pm at Olivet Baptist Church, 1115 21st avenue in Rock Island, Illinois.

Melva was born on September 13, 1934 in Quincy, Illinois to Bernice Nixon. Bernice passed away, leaving her four young children to be raised by Mary and Randolph Irwin who they fondly called mom and dad. Melva graduated from Quincy Senior High School. She attended Quincy College where she became a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).

Melva married John Nelson and moved to Rock Island Illinois. She was employed by St. Anthony's hospital working as an LPN. She later was employed by the Rock Island Arsenal working in industrial operations under the U.S Army Materials Command (AMC). She attended Black Hawk college taking classes to further her advancement in her career which lead her to a supervisor role. 1980 she was awarded for becoming the first black female supervisor in a warehouse (wage grade) environment at the Rock Island Arsenal. She retired in 1993.

Melva is one of the founding members of Olivet Baptist Church in Rock Island. Upon joining, she served on several committees and found her love for ushering in the later years. She is known for greeting people with big hugs and a smile.

Melva loved going to the gym at the crack of dawn, 5 days a week. She walked 3-5 miles and lifted weights at the Arsenal. She enjoyed traveling to new cities. She loved all colors and country music.

Melva passed away on July 24,2025. Cherishing her memories are children, Anthony(Denise) Nelson, Vicky Nelson, Pamela Nelson, Gary Nelson, Kimberly (Arlyn) Small, and Paulette Nelson, her brother Delano "Frank" (Melva) Nixon and her sister- in - law Hilda Nixon. She had over 20 grandchildren,17 great grandchildren, 5 great great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, neighbors and many more people that affectionately called her mom, grandma, aunt or friend.

Preceding her in death was her parents, Bernice Nixon, and Mary and Randolph Irwin, siblings Shirley Weathers and Milton Nixon, her son James Nelson