Nelson A. Ashley

Nelson A. Ashley, the son of the late Nelson H. Ashley & Emma L. Ashley, was born on January 10, 1950, in Chester, PA. He received his early education there and called it his home until moving to the state of Delaware in 1991. It is there that he lived until the Lord called him to rest from his labor on November 9, 2021.

Nelson, affectionately known as Bum or Ash, graduated from Chester High School in 1969. He was employed after high school briefly at Sun Shipbuilding & Drydock Company. Thereafter in 1971, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy before attending Cheyney State College, now known as Cheyney University. While enrolled, he participated in ROTC and after graduation he was commissioned as a 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. In 1972, his only child Nelson Angelo Carson was born. After honorable discharge, he continued service in the U.S. Army Reserve. During his career he was an educator in the Chester Upland School District.

In 1984, Nelson met and later fell in love with Carla Woods, at his former employer of 35 years, Elwyn Institute. In the spring of 1987, Nelson pledged membership to his beloved fraternity, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and remained a lifelong member. Nelson and Carla wed in Greenville, Mississippi on November 16th, 1991. They later became pet parents to their late dogs, Simba and Tucker Ashley.

A significant occasion in Nelson’s life occurred in the year 2000. He, along with his two siblings Ronald & Annette and his two nieces Erica and Angela, were baptized together at The Eighth Street Baptist Church, The Resurrection Center, now known as, The Resurrection Center. He participated in various ministries, such as Audio Visual, The King’s Men, and the Food Pantry. He remained a member there under the pastoring of Bishop S. Todd Townsend, until his heavenly transition. His lifelong passion for excellence in his chosen field of human services and tenacious pursuit of black history, led Nelson to return to school in 2008. He successfully completed his master’s degree in science at 60 years old from Springfield College. He was also inducted into the International Honor Society, Pi Gamma Mu. These accolades qualified Nelson for career advancement at Crozer Keystone Network as a substance abuse counselor. Nelson also had an undeniable appreciation for music. He aspired to learn the craft of playing the guitar and often spoke about wanting to be a Blues guitarist. He loved all genres of music. He was often asked by friends and family to recall the name of a song title or artist, because of his in-depth knowledge of music. Nelson enjoyed spending time with his granddaughters and great-nephews.

Nelson is preceded in death by his parents Mr. Nelson & Mrs Emma Ashley, and his brother Ronald Ashley. He leaves in cherished memory, wife: Carla-Woods Ashley, son: Nelson Carson (Aisha Page) two granddaughters: Nyeirah Carson & Sydney Carson, sister: Annette V. Ashley, nieces: Angela Ashley-Bethea and Erica Ashley, great-nephews: Issac Nelson Ashley, Isreal Nelson Ashley, Solomon Ronald Ashley, Zaire Isaiah Bethea, great-niece: Zairah Ashley Bethea, along with a host of other family members, fraternity brothers and friends.