Mitchell Nelson Sr.

Mitchell Nelson Sr., 69, of Houma, returned to the Lord on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at Ochsner Medical Center - New Orleans. Born November 14, 1955, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to the late Samuel Nelson Sr. and Elouise “Mook / Sunshine” Livas Nelson. Endearingly called “Mitch” by many, he chose a life filled with adventures, laughter, family, and friends.

Born to a Christian family, Mitch was baptized as a child by the late Reverend BJ Williams at First Baptist Church in Schriever, Louisiana. On Sundays, he would walk with his family to and from church. His love for God continued throughout his life, instilling in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren the knowledge and value of developing a personal relationship with God. As a Joyful Gospel Outreach Ministries member, he prayed daily for family, friends, and strangers. Mitch was a man who showed his love for God through his giving heart; he would see a homeless man in need and provide him with food and fellowship. Mitch was a humble man with a fighting spirit.

He graduated from Terrebonne High School in Houma, Louisiana. Later, on May 24, 1975, he married the love of his life, Brenda Ann “Tulsa” Williams, and they would bear three beautiful children, Mitchell Jr. (Meejay), Lakisha (Kee), and Angelique (Ann). For many years, he worked as a welder, and he positively impacted the lives of each of his colleagues through words of encouragement and a helping hand. Fourteen years ago, his faith was tested when he was severely burned in a house fire. However, even when the doctors did not believe he would make it, he held steadfast to the word of God. His testimony of blind faith and overcoming dire circumstances inspired many - especially those closest to him. He laughed and prayed with and for his family, even in his final days.

Mitch loved with his entire heart. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He was known for his love of God, gardening (he could make anything grow), cooking, building, bowling, chess, eccentric garments, infectious laughter, acts of kindness, Bob Marley, and unwavering devotion to his family.

If he were here, he would ask, “What you doing besides nothing?”

He leaves cherished memories with one son, Mitchell Nelson, Jr. (Rachelle); two daughters, Lakisha Nelson and Angelique Nelson; one brother, Gilbert Nelson (Roslind); three sisters, Sheena S. Nelson, Geraldine Celestin (Carl) and Eliza M. Nelson; fourteen grandchildren, Charelle Nelson, Mitchell Nelson III, Mark Dirance, Danshelle Little, Kentrell Dirance, Ronnell Johnson, Jr., Brittany Johnson, Rone'Jah Dirance, Collin Nelson, Kayden Nelson, Javon Nelson, Sky Nelson, Sasha Patterson, and Breyana Patterson; eleven great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He leaves us to join his parents, Samuel Nelson Sr. and Elouise Livas Nelson; paternal grandparents, Joseph Nelson Sr. and Elizabeth Goudy Nelson; maternal grandparents, Mamie Smith and Albert Livas; two brothers, Samuel Nelson, Jr. and Donald Nelson; one sister, Mildred F. Broomfield, and former spouse, Brenda Ann Williams Nelson.

The funeral will be held on Friday, December 13, 2024, at Jones Funeral Home, located at 230 S. Hollywood Rd., Houma, LA 70360. Viewing will take place from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, followed by the funeral service from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Interment will commence at 12:00 PM at Halfway Cemetery, 3840 W. Main St., Gray, LA 70359, concluding at approximately 12:45 PM. The repast will follow at First Baptist Church Annex, 1987 LA-311, Schriever, LA 70395