Samuel Nelson Elliott III

1956 - 2023

Samuel Nelson Elliott, III, born March 7, 1956, to the late Samuel Nelson Elliott, Jr., and Elizabeth Lee (Francis) Elliott, unexpectedly passed away on March 28, 2023.Born in Fairmont, WV, Nelson spent his early life in Mannington, WV, until 1964, when the family moved to Riverside. Nelson graduated from La Sierra High School, in 1974, and then the University of California, Riverside, in 1979, where he earned a B.A. in Sociology. Later that year, he moved back to Mannington and then later earned an M.A. in Mathematics. Nelson was a math educator for more than 37 years, having spent most of his career teaching at North Marion High School and Fairmont State University, in Marion County, WV. In addition to teaching, he coached football at Fairmont State University, baseball and football at North Marion High School, and, most recently, girls' soccer at North Marion.Nelson faithfully attended St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Mannington and Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Riverside where he received the Sacraments of Baptism, the Eucharist, Confession, Confirmation, Marriage and the Anointing of the Sick. He was a Third Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus and a Life Member and Past Exalted Ruler of Elks Lodge #388. An all-around athlete, Nelson holds the distinction of having lettered in 3 sports each year at La Sierra High School. Nelson always spoke to anyone he met, enthusiastically striking up a conversation with new and old friends alike and sharing his kindness and quick wit. He left friends, students, and family laughing with his repeated and overused puns and jokes. His small, daily acts of kindness left an unforgettable impact on everyone he met. He was beloved. He led by example. He taught those around him how to treat others, to be better, to serve others, to keep it light, to lend a helping hand, to care, and to love. His gentle soul and big heart made the world a far better place and left an example for us all.Nelson married Leisha Jones, in 1992, and together they raised four wonderful children, Samuel IV, Grant, Mary Elizabeth, and Adam.Nelson is survived by his mother, Betty Lee. He was the loving brother to Regina Elliott (John Conway) and Melissa Lewandowski (Norbert). His in-laws include John (deceased) and Carolyn Jones, Lori (Chris), Leslie (Greg), and John (Amy). The people lucky enough to call him Uncle Nelson include Danica (Stuart), Clara, Elliott, Andrew, Ryan (Sadie), Madison, Mackenzie, Meredith, Reese, Caroline, and Kennedy. Nelson also leaves behind a large extended family and many lifelong friends.A funeral Mass was held on April 3, 2023, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Mannington followed by burial at Mannington Cemetery. Donations in Nelson's memory may be made to the Doc Elliott Scholarship, named for his grandfather, which provides financial assistance to college-bound graduates of North Marion High School: The Doc Elliott Scholarship, c/o Stephanie Spears Tomana, PO Box 56, Idamay, WV, 26576.In celebration of his life, a memorial Mass will be held at Queen of Angels Catholic Church, 4824 Jones Ave., Riverside, on Friday, August 4th at 12:00 PM. All are welcome to attend. A luncheon will follow at 1:30 PM at Canyon Crest Country Club. Anyone wishing to attend the luncheon should R.S.V.P. to regelliott@yahoo.com by Thursday, July 27, 2023.