Our Dad, Charles Henry Nelson, was born to Helen Nelson Royal and Charles Henry Cook, Jr. He married our mother, Lucy Wilkerson, in 1970. Mom passed in 1987. Dad grew up in Campbell County, VA, and attended Campbell County High School, where he played basketball and was the class president.

Life then led Daddy Charles to enlist in the US Navy in June 1955. He often spoke about all of the places he had been, such as Hawaii, Australia, Japan, and many others. He retired from the Navy in January 1980 as a Senior Chief Ship’s Serviceman. He continued to work as the manager of Navy Exchanges in Dam Neck, Navy Exchange Complex in Norfolk, and Maryland.

Daddy Charles earned many awards while enlisted, but his most outstanding achievement was when he became our dad: Gregory H. Thomas (Brenda), Sylvia D. Bland (Herman), and Troy C. Wilkerson (Robin). We were never his step-children. We were his.

Dad enjoyed watching his grandchildren grow up. Anthony Robinson was the apple of Mom’s and his eye!
Delores (Rodney) would clean for him when she lived in Virginia. Erica, whom he referred to as Pooh, often dropped by to see him and take him a favorite cheeseburger from Cookout. More grands followed, including Jay, Troy II (Zew), and Bianca. Great-grandchildren included Alivia (Marquis),

Antonia (Derrick), Kyla, and Kai. He was recently blessed with two great-great grands, Astro and Aultra.

Dad had many devoted family members, which included his siblings Charlene Monroe, Bonnie Cook Pannell (Kenneth), Nicole Cook Calloway, deceased (David), Tonya Lee Cook, Charles Richard Anthony Cook (deceased), and Donnie (Butch) Cook, deceased (Robin). Nieces and nephews include Jeffrey Monroe, Corey “The Rock” Monroe, Kenneth E Pannel, Jr., Levoi Cook, Chawn “CC” Cook, and Star Cook. A special friend who always checked on him was Trudie Quinn of Mississippi.

Friends who will forever be a part of the family are Reginal Pierce and his wife, who fed and watched over him when he lived in Portsmouth, and Carlton Mitchell, who always stopped by and visited.

Providence AME Zion held a very special place in his heart. He loved the people in this house of God. You exhibited the biblical definition of love. He was excited whenever you visited, sent a card, or called.