Obituary of Joycelline Nelson

Sunrise: Nov. 19, 1932

Sunset:  July 13, 2017

Joycelline Adassa Nelson, affectionately called “Darling/Auntie Darling,” was born on November 19, 1932 in the parish of St. Mary, Jamaica, West Indies. 

Upon immigrating to the United States in April of 1967, she resided in Westfield, NJ—where she was employed as a domestic helper for several years until leaving to work for Overlook Hospital in Summit, NJ. She worked there for over twenty years until retiring due to ill health. 

In August of 1990 Auntie Darling was baptized at Fountain Baptist Church, in Summit, NJ, where she served as an usher for several years.

Known to those who knew her as an avid reader, she would read from morning until night, and until morning again, without sleep.  During the course of a day, she would read multiple books.  As children, neither my sister Maria nor I could fathom the thought of her reading so many books within such a short period of time.

Finally, in our disbelief, my sister and I decided to scan the pages of some of the books that she had completed and proceeded to question her about what she had read in each of them.  However, much to our great surprise—she was able to tell us not only what she had read in each book, but also the pages that each of the various passages could be found on.  Needless to say, from that day forward we rested our case. 

Apart from her love of reading, Joycelline was also passionate about embroidering.  As children we could hardly wait for her to take vacation and spend time with us, so that she could teach us the craft of embroidery.  True to her word, she taught us a few things, and although we tried our best, ours never quite compared to the beautiful pillow cases, shirts, blouses and table clothes that she embroidered. 

Joycelline Adassa Nelson, was a quiet and gentle soul who touched the lives of many; always reaching out and caring for others, in the most unselfish ways. 

As we put her to rest today, we acknowledge that Auntie Darling was one of the many phenomenal women that our family has been blessed with.  Her passing is preceded by her mother Caroline McIntosh, father Clarence Nelson, sisters Lovina McIntosh, Albertine Edwards (Gloria) and brother Frankie Taylor. 

She is survived by her son Garnett (Lori), grandsons Eric and Andrew, three great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews and a host of other relatives and friends. 

Today, we mourn her loss, but she will never ever be forgotten, but remain in our hearts forever. 

Visitation at Funeral Home

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Friday, August 25, 2017
Higgins Home for Funerals
752 Mountain Blvd.
Watchung, New Jersey, United States
07069
 

Funeral Service

9:00 am Saturday, August 26, 2017
St. John's Baptist Church
2387 Morse Avenue
Scotch Plains, New Jersey, United States
07076

Final Resting Place

Fairview Cemetery
1100 East Broad Street
Westfield, New Jersey, United States
07090