Hannah Brown Nelson was born on the 8th day of September in the year 1928 to Ms. Lila Brown. She was reared by her uncle, Mr. George Brown Sr., aunt, Mrs. Viola Brown-Alston and step father, Johnny Alston.
Very early on during her life journey, Hannah accepted the Lord Jesus Christ, becoming a member of the Bethlehem Baptist Church where she served as an usher and choir member. Hannah would marry Deacon Richard Nelson Sr. This major event in her life would guide her onward to move her membership to St. Luke Baptist Church where she continued serving dutifully in the capacity of Vice-President of St. Luke’s Senior Choir and Assistant Church Secretary. She remained a prominent member until her transition.
Hannah was educated in Beaufort County public schools. Her desire to provide for her family led her to seek employment as a waitress at the Desoto Hilton in Savannah, GA. She wanted to do more with her life and obtained her cosmetology license from the historic Mather School in Beaufort, SC. Hannah was also a seamstress for a Taylor Shop on Paris Island in Beaufort, SC. Following retirement, she focused on what she loved most, cooking. She attended culinary arts school. Hannah was well known in the low country for the delicious dishes she served and no one could forget her fruit cakes. Hannah cooked for three special families, The Bailey’s in Ridgeland, SC (Low Bottom), the Field’s and the Hogebooms in Beaufort, SC. Her church loved her cooking and Hannah never passed up the chance to cook for her church family. Hannah served on the Board of Directors at Chelsea Clinic. She was very instrumental in the Voter Registration movement, getting people to the polls to vote.
On Friday April 27, 2018 at Hilton Head Memorial Hospital, Deaconess Hannah B. Nelson, Church Mother, heard the voice of the Lord say, “You have fought a good fight, the battle is over, well done my faithful servant come and take your rest.” In addition to her mother, Lila Brown, uncle, George Brown, Sr., aunt, Viola Brown-Alston and Johnny Alston, Hannah was preceded in death by her late husband, Deacon Richard Nelson, Sr.; sister, Clara B. Bush; brother, Frank Brown Jr. and great grand daughter, Shaniqua Camacho.
Hannah leaves to cherish her memories; one son, Richard Nelson, Jr. of Nashville TN; five daughters: Shirley Camacho-Keith of Beaufort, SC, Carolyn Conway of Las Vegas, NV, Frankie N. Allen of Okatie, SC, Kathleen N. Beaton of Beaufort, SC and S. Anissa Green (Benjamin) of Bluffton, SC; special god daughters; Ann B. Campbell (Charles) of Beaufort, SC and Asia Green of Bluffton, SC; special friends; Louvenia Gregory and Lillian Washington; special cousin, Rena B. Johnson and Wilhelmina Pinckney; to include 13 grand children; 31 great grand children, 8 great great grands and a host of relatives and friends.
