Nellie J Charleston

With heartfelt love and deep respect, we announce the passing of Nellie Jean Charleston. Born Nellie Jean Johnson on January 24, 1932, in Jackson, Mississippi, she was one of five children - Charlene, Shirley, Ernest, Ethel, and Linda - all of whom preceded her in death. Nellie lived a life defined by faith, resilience, and unwavering devotion to her family.
On January 14, 1951, she married the love of her life, Winston Ray Charleston, and together they built a beautiful life until his passing on December 6, 1977. The couple began their life together in Elizabeth, New Jersey, and later settled in Edison, New Jersey, where they raised their family. Nellie worked for many years at Hyatt Roller Bearings, a division of General Motors in Clark, NJ, until her retirement in 1987. She took pride in her work and her generosity-helping her husband secure a position there after his previous employment with Pipe Protection. She also dedicated much of her time to renovating and managing properties with care and purpose.
In 1963, Nellie was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses, beginning a lifelong commitment to her faith. She served faithfully as a pioneer for many years, sharing her beliefs with compassion and conviction. Her spiritual life was a source of great comfort and joy. She cherished spending time in field service and fellowship with her spiritual brothers and sisters.
Nellie was a proud and loving mother to six children: Winston Ray, Velma, Walter (who preceded her in death), Vanessa, Melvin (married to Jacqueline), and Vivian (married to Desmond Nelson). Her legacy continues through her grandchildren: Robert, Veda, Sandra, Jacqueline, Walter (CC), Melvin Jr., Bianca, Jamarleone, Deja, Bryce, Winston (Ray Jr.), Emanuel, and Matthew, as well as a host of great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and great-great-great-grandchildren who brought her endless joy.
Also left to cherish her memory are a host of loving nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, cousins, dear friends, and her spiritual family of Jehovah's Witnesses.
Nellie Jean Charleston passed away peacefully on July 12, 2025. She will be remembered for her strength, her steadfast faith, and the deep love she gave so freely. Though her presence will be greatly missed, the values she lived by and the love she shared will continue to live on in the many lives she touched.
Family and friends are invited to, Aftercare Cremation Service, 241 Bordentown Avenue, South Amboy, NJ 08879, on Saturday, July 19, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM for a celebration of Nellie's life. Cremation is private.