Obituary

Regina Rosetta Nelson was born January 30, 1956 in La Crosse Virginia, to the late James Herman Thompson and Mary Lee Alexander.  She was born the fourth of six siblings.  Growing up in the South, Regina enjoyed reading, writing and athletic pursuits such as track and stickball. As a youth, she enjoyed playing with her aunts and cousins and was nurtured in a large close-knit family.  She came to know Christ as her savior at the early age of 8.

At the age of 13, Regina moved to Jamaica, Queens. It was there she attended Junior High School at I.S. 8, followed by John Adams High School where she met her husband Henry Nelson.  They married on June 28, 1975. As a couple they were inseparable and loved dressing in stylish outfits. Regina went on to receive her Associates Degree from York College at the City University of New York.

As a teenager, Regina was a loving caregiver to her younger siblings, nieces, and nephews. On December 15, 1979, she had her first child, DeShawn Henry.  After moving to Cambria Heights, NY, she had her second child, Shermena Margarita, on August 30, 1984. Regina considered her children her most prized possession. She was constantly working on being the best mother and friend to DeShawn and Shermena. 

After working for the National Urban League, Regina made a career shift to assistant librarian for the Queens Borough Public Library.  Regina loved literature and always provided her children with books and learning materials.  She had a passion for youth, education, and assisting the underprivileged.  In addition to working for the Queens Borough Public Library, Regina decided to become a family care provider. She became the caregiver for several women who were transitioning from mental facilities to life on their own. She continued to do this work until her very last day.

Regina had many gifts and passions, but her greatest passion was her love for God. Her passion for knowing and loving God fostered spiritual growth at New Greater Bethel Ministries under the pastor-ship of the late John H. Boyd.  It was there she served as an usher as she attended bible school. She later received her Bachelors of Divinity from Bethel Bible Institute in Jamaica, NY.  After assisting her close friends, Shermena Walker and Vanessa McKinney at Greater Mission Church in the Bronx, NY, Regina took her gifts to Mount Moriah AME Church. There she served as a Church School teacher, Class Leader, Bible School Teacher and member of the Noonday Prayer Group.  In 2006, she was ordained as a Reverend in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. In 2007, she was ordained as an Elder. Regina strongly believed that her ordination should be utilized outside the walls of the church. She spent most of her time counseling those in need, visiting the sick and shut in, and delivering care packages. Additionally, she would dedicate time to other churches and ministries, assisting fellow ministers in whatever way her talents could best serve. Regina joined Allen AME Cathedral in 2011. There she felt at home with the Noonday Prayer Group led by Reverend Gittens. 

Regina was known for having a joyous disposition and being a ball of excitement.  She was also noted for being strict about doing right and being honest in the face of adversity.  She would always joke that God delivered her from fighting but she can go back anytime.  However, her love for family, friends, and community superseded all other emotions.  Regina was well known in the Southeast Queens community and was always making new friends.  She loved cooking and would always receive requests for her secret recipe of rice balls among other foods.  In addition, she became an avid NBA fan and would debate with anyone about who the best player was. Regina loved taking pictures of family and friends. Her photo collection is unmatched. Many photos do not have her in it because she was behind the camera. But in the later years, Regina rectified that with her camera phone. On any given day, you might receive a picture of Regina heading to an event looking fabulous. She loved looking good. She’d say unapologetically “Hey vanity is vanity”. Everything Regina did was with passion, energy, and love.

Regina departed this life on May 17, 2016. She will be best known for her stylish ways, bright smile, exceptional cooking skills, honesty and generous spirit. She leaves to cherish her memory, her son, DeShawn Nelson; daughter, Shermena Nelson; three brothers, James Herman Thompson, Robert Thompson, Michael Thompson; two sisters, Ernestine Alexander and Loretta Thompson; grandmother, Dorothy Thompson; uncles, Bruce Hawkins and Robert Thompson; aunts, Ilene Thompson, Lucille Taylor, Mildred Alexander, Carol Brown, Laverne Hawkins, Katherine Abad, Patricia Graves, and Lisa Gholson; godfather Mitchell Timmons; godmother, Rosie Parker; godsisters, Diane James, Shermena Walker, and Beatrice Parker; godchildren, Leroy Richardson, Jr., Samantha Glover, LaTasha Williams, and Willie J. Walker III; and a host nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends.

Grace, Mercy and Peace.