Nelson T. King (Lansing)

Mr. Nelson Thomas King departed this life on Saturday, August 15, 2020 at his residence in Lansing, Michigan. Age 97 years. He was the fifth of eight children born to the late Professor James and Mrs. Mary King on February 11, 1923 in Crowder, Mississippi.

By nicknaming him “Little Wee”, the family could readily see that this little boy was destined to become a leader and make a great impact on the lives of many. Due to his father’s profession as a Professor, Nelson attended various schools in Mississippi counties including Bolivar, Panola, and Tallahatchie. Nelson accepted the plan of salvation and Jesus Christ as his personal savior at an early age. In 1951, Nelson was united in holy matrimony to Ozia Mae Alexander and to this union one child was born Bessie Mae. Nelson wore many hats in his lifetime, and he wore them to the fullest. His life was one filled with strong work ethics. He is a World War II veteran who served in the United States Army from January 1943 through February 1947, including in 1944 serving in the Fifth Army Air Force 332nd Fighter Group. He was employed by Motor Wheel for thirty-three years. Nelson enjoyed fishing, playing his trumpet, taking trips in his camper, working on cars, relaxing on his porch, lending a helping hand where he could, especially the neighborhood kids, because he would spend time teaching them how to fix their bikes, and spending time with his family who was everything to him. His motto was “Keep Going”.

He leaves to cherish his memories daughter, Kristin Johnson; 8 grandchildren, Constance Cotton, Anthony Cotton, Marcella Cotton, Kaniya Johnson, Zya Johnson, Zamya Johnson, Dyior Pointer and Daylan Pointer; 8 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great children; son-in-law, Curtis Cotton; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 27 years, Ozia Mae; daughter, Bessie Mae Cotton; son, Rayford King; parents, James Mansfield and Mary Nickerson King; sisters, Jessie Mae Frost, Florence King McKay and Essie Mae Burkley; brothers, Theodore King, Ted King and James Washington King.


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