Mrs. Jessie "J" Mae Barnes Nelson was born on September 17, 1927 to the late Jefferson Barnes, Sr. and the late Lula Barnes in Charleston, South Carolina. She was the last living sibling of seven. On March 28, 2025 she was called from labor to reward. She was educated in the Charleston County Public Schools and graduated from Burke High School.

On June 27, 1952 she met the LOVE of her life in New York City, Theodore W. "Teddy" Nelson. They were married on December 20, 1952. After living in New York for fifteen years, they returned to Charleston and rejoined Ebenezer A.M.E. Church. She worked for South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs working for the Coastal Center for over twenty-five years. She loved shopping and talking on the phone to family and friends.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Theodore W. "Teddy" Nelson, four sisters, Wilhelmina Brown, Virginia Moore, Rosalee Bryant and Minda Lee Ross; two brothers Christopher Barnes and Jefferson Barnes, Jr. She was also preceded in death by a host of in laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends. At the age of 97 years old she leaves to cherish her memories a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends to include Ms. Toni Linnen (like a daughter/niece), Mr. Charles Goss (like a son), Ms. Elizabeth Jenkins (like a daughter).

Celebration of Life Service
Friday, April 4, 2025
11:00 AM
Smith-McNeal Funeral Chapel
2119 Dorchester Rd. - North Charleston

Interment
Sunset Memorial Garden
2915 Ashley Phosphate Rd. - North Charleston