Nelson Charles Carter III was born to Nelson C. Carter Jr. and Melinda A. Brooks-Carter on March 30, 1939. He peacefully went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at home surrounded by his beloved family.
Through many health issues, numerous doctor visits, and hospital stays, his faith never waivered nor did he ever complain, He continued to fight the good fight of faith. Whenever Nelson had the opportunity to shake hands (He had a tight but loving grip) or give a hug, he would let you know how much he loved God. He was never afraid or ashamed to share how good God had been to him.
He was affectionately known to the family as “Sweetie.” He grew up in Charles City and at an early age he was baptized and the seed was planted. He moved to Newark, NJ in 1957 where he met Onetha Williams of Gresham, South Carolina. The two united in holy matrimony on February 7, 1959. He later became a Deacon at Shiloh Baptist Church in Newark, NJ. He was dedicated to the work of the Lord, and the Lord knew what he had in store for Nelson and he never looked back.
Nelson worked for Worthington Corporation of Newark, NJ, and General Motors in Linden, NJ. He was truly a hardworking man who went above and beyond to provide for his young family. He completed his education, achieving a G.E.D. and a Certificate of Completion in air conditioning and refrigeration while attending trade school. Nelson wasn’t one to sit Idle. He was achieving, learning, and accomplishing all that he could. He was and still is our “Superman”. He retired from General Motors in 2001 and moved back to Charles City.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Melinda and Nelson Carter Jr.; his loving and faithful wife Onetha Williams Carter; three brothers, George Carter, Johnnie Carter, and MacArthur Carter; three sisters, Lillie Gardner, Josephine Ross, and Rita Okola; and his one and only son Eric Carter, who he missed tremendously.
Nelson leaves behind to cherish his memories, two devoted daughters, Tracey M.Carter and Yolanda C. Carter; beloved granddaughter Anya O. Carter; baby sister Dinah Daughtery (Keith) of Orange, NJ; baby brother Ralph Carter of Charles City, VA; two sisters-in-love, Margaret Carter of Charles City, VA and Bernice Ann Williams of Gresham, South Carolina; two brothers-in-law, Nathaniel Williams and Morris Williams, both of Gresham, South Carolina; fiancé Alleana Jefferson of Charles City, VA (who he loved calling “Honey”); and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nephews, other relatives, and friends.
A funeral service to celebrate Nelson’s life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, August 31, 2024, at Little Elam Baptist Church, 8840 Church Lane, Charles City, VA 23030. Interment to follow in the church cemetery. Mr. Carter may be viewed from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday in the funeral home and from noon until 1 p.m. on Saturday in the church.
