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Disclaimer:
This tree was drawn in the 1970's based on oral history.
There are a few known discrepancies. Family members are welcome
to submit updates or corrections for our growing family tree.
This tree drawing is a family memento.
 O'Kelley Crest |
July 18, 1918 - May 23, 2001
Nelson Minter was born in Hazelhurst, Mississippi on July 18, 1918
to Hatti Jane Abbey and William Paige Minter Sr.. Hatti returned to St.
Louis, Mo. soon after Nelson's birth, there she raised four boys and one
girl.
Nelson Minter was a strict disciplinarian commanding respect from
his family and those who knew him.
He had a passion to debate, an entrepreneurial spirit, and was
extremely opinionated. His
natural gift of mathematics, numbers and figures allowed him to account
and manage money in the best manner.
Strong family values and academic achievement were the hallmarks
of his parenting. This made
him an excellent provider, devoted husband, loving and supportive father,
grandfather and loyal friend. At his leisure, he was an excellent dancer, lover of
music, fine dining and living.
During WWII, Nelson served in the United States Army as a Military
Policeman. Following the
war Nelson became a licensed Tailor, and received vocational training
and certification as a Recreation Leader under the government sponsored
WPA program. Nelson worked
in this capacity for the city of St. Louis division of recreation for
over 30 years, never once missing a day’s work.
During his tenure he received numerous awards and commendations.
In 1956 Mr. Minter and his boxing team brought national recognition
to the city of St. Louis by winning the Golden Glove Championships at
Keil Auditorium. For his
outstanding achievements to the sport of boxing, Mr. Minter was inducted
into the Gateway Classic and St. Louis Division of Recreation Boxing Hall
of Fame on February 11, 1995. Many
citizens of this city credit their skills in track and field, bowling
and other team sports to Mr. Minter.
In the years prior to his retirement Nelson worked with the senior
citizens of Blumeyer apartments organizing all types of social and recreational
activities. Most memorable
perhaps, were the numerous out-of-state bus trips he planned much to the
delight of his participants known as the Jetsetters.
He loved to travel. In
October of 2000 he planned, organized, and coordinated his last bus trip
to the Historic Million Family March held in Washington, D.C.
Most of his immediate family, including some of the grandchildren,
made the trip. This event,
its concept and purpose, had very special meaning and importance for our
father. He renewed his wedding vows to his beloved wife Dorris Elliotte
O'Kelley of 55 years. To
this union 8 children were born. Susan, who was still born, Buena Franklin-Williams,
Karen Johanna Hall, Neldia Kaye Minter, Saudah Muhammed (gia stephens),
Nelson O’Kelley Minter, Glynis Dorris Davis, and Lisa Jane Scott.
Nelson also had two daughters from a previous marriage to Mable
Robinson. They are Joan Minter-Lane
and Bernice Minter-Saffold.
Nelson Minter completed this life's journey from complications due to cancer on May 23, 2001 at 2:00am at De Paul Health Center. His final resting place is located at Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis, Missouri. Nelson's wife Dorris, his brothers, William Paige Minter Jr., Joe Minter, Augustus Abbey, and his parents preceded him in death. He is survived by his sister Eleanor Abbey of Detroit, Michigan, nine children, thirteen grandchildren, five great grandchildren, one nephew, David Minter of Detroit, and a host of friends and relatives.