Therefore, my beloved, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. - 1 Corinthians 15:58 Joseph Nelson was born November 28, 1933 in Bonneau, South Carolina. He was the third child born to the late Lee and Florence Stretch Nelson. God called him to his eternal home on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at Roper Hospital, North Charleston. His brothers Henry James, Allen and Ben preceded him in death. He was affectionately known as "Boy" or "Joe" to family and friends. He was united in holy matrimony to Mary McKnight for 53 years. To this union, they were blessed with ten children. He was a faithful member of Bethel United Methodist Church until his health failed. He served on the Trustee Board and the United Methodist Men. His favorite hymn was "How Great Thou Art", and he would sing it often around the house. Joseph was educated in the public school system of Berkeley County. He retired from Jamestown Wool Mill (PULSA) where he worked for thirty years. He served as a distinguished Constable for Berkeley County for twenty-three years. He was a committed and dedicated volunteer member of the Wilder Community Fire Department. "Pop", as he was affectionately called by his children, was a strict disciplinarian. He taught his children the secret of success - hard work. Joseph had many hobbies that he enjoyed such as: caring for the animals (hogs, chickens, dogs and cats), smoking cigars, nice clothes and a big clean car. Joseph will be greatly missed by all who knew him. His fond memories will live on in the hearts of his devoted wife Mary of the home; children: Delores (Peter) Johnson, Cross, SC; Joyce (Delmar) Yeadon, Moncks Corner, SC; Rev Constance "Connie" Barnes of Murrells Inlet, SC; Nathaniel "Moses" Nelson, Columbia, SC; Cheryl Nelson, Atlanta, GA; Joann Nelson, Goose Creek, SC; Faith (Sherman) Mouzon, Goose Creek, SC; Sadie (Corey) Alston, Charleston, SC; Rolanda (Lendrick) James, Richmond Hill, GA; Olanda Nelson, Columbia, SC and a grandson whom they reared in the home Anthony Nelson of Columbia, SC; nineteen grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; his six siblings: Sarah Thompson, St. Stephen, SC; Deacon Louis (Virginia ) Nelson, Goose Creek, SC; Rev. Samuel (Gaynell) Nelson, St. Stephen, SC; Mary (Joseph) Mazyck, Leroy (Nancy) Nelson, Bonneau; SC; Rosa Owens, Moncks Corner, SC; one uncle Rev. Lewis Nelson; one Aunt Rebecca Gadsden; godson Allen Nelson; and a host of sorrowing nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.