Kevin Anthony Nelson

In the early morning hours of July 28, 2018, God in His divine wisdom, mercy, and understanding welcomed home our dear loved one, Kevin Anthony “”Tony”” Nelson aka Coach Nelson. He was born on November 6, 1964 to Yvonne Somerville and Joseph Nelson, Sr. in Leonardtown, MD. Kevin was a graduate of Crossland High School, Class of 1982. After high school, he went on to Bowie State University to continue his education. Due to family obligations, Kevin paused his degree to enter the work world early. His work experience took him to places of employment with Atlantic Research, the US State Department, Casual Male Big & Tall, SMECO, McKay’s Grocery Store and National Cooperative Bank (NCB). The family joke was although he had no Caribbean ties, he had more jobs than a Jamaican. He maintained his employment with NCB until his health declined in 2016. Knowing the importance of education, Kevin went back to finish his degree and received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Maryland University College in 2001. In Kevin’s travels there was no one that was a stranger; he never forgot a face and his personality was a magnet that drew people in like flies to a flame. In addition to his love for family, traveling, and many genres of music, he also had a deep passion for the game of basketball. Back in his hay day he was known as “”Ice”” on the court. His immense love for the game led him to coach several AAU teams, and later served as the assistant coach and recruiter for the St Mary’s Ryken Catholic School Men’s Basketball team. Fondly, named by his players as Coach Nelson, Kevin became a mentor to many young males and females. Instilling in them values that were not only useful on the court and/or classroom, but also in life. The fruits of his labor resulted in many of his mentees going on to be the first in their family to receive college degrees. His mentees are now serving their community as teachers and assistant coaches. Several mentees have gone on to play basketball internationally for several years and a few have even gone on to play for the NBA. Kevin also served on the Advisory Committee at Covenant House in the District of Columbia. He loved the youth and wanted to make everlasting impressions and that although life may have thrown you a curve ball the mindset is not how you start that matters but, how you finish that counts. Kevin is preceded in death by his son, Kevin Nelson II; maternal grandparents, Joseph and Sarah Somerville; paternal grandparents, James and Alise Short; surrogate grandfather, Charles Gilliam; niece, Tiakeshia Thompson; father-in-law, Thomas Butler and several uncles, aunts and great aunts/uncles.Kevin leaves to cherish his memories his loving wife, Maria Thomasine; daughters, Shaunte’ Barber, Tamara and Javita Spears; grandchildren, Mikala Barber, Makhi Scott and Xavier Estep; parents, Yvonne Somerville and Joseph Sr. (Shirley); brother, Joseph Jr. (Sandra); sister, Lonita; uncle, Joseph (Constance) Somerville; aunts, Harriet Huff and Constance Somerville; mothers-in-law, Mary Butler, Mary Gross and Shirley Nelson; brothers-in-law, Ronald (Helen) Drummond, Warren, Michael and John Gross and Ronald (Bonita) Woodland; sisters-in-law: Nedra (Nikki) Butler, Helen Drummond, Tracie Nelson Johnson, Bonnie Walton and Bonita Woodland; God daughters/nieces, Alexus Fogle, Alani, Kayla and Niya Nelson, Brianna Butler-Douglas; nephews, Carlonte’ Knott, Erick Walton, Corey and Travis Woodland. He also leaves a host of other relatives and devoted friends.Kevin’s infectious smile will forever linger in the hearts of his family and friends and in the many lives of others whom he has met along the journey.Family and friends will unite on Friday, August 10, 2018 for visitation at 9:30 am until time of service at 11:00 am at Gospel Tabernacle of Prayer Church, 24516 Budds Creek Rd, Clements, MD. Interment to follow at St. John’s Cemetery, 43950 St. John’s Rd, Hollywood, MD. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kevin A. Nelson II ’03 Memorial Scholarship Fund at www.archbishopcarroll.org/forms/donations.

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