Obituary for Robert Steven Nelson Jr.
Robert S. Nelson, Jr. was born in Washington, DC on August 25, 1948 to the late Clara and Robert S. Nelson, Sr. He was educated in DC Public Schools, matriculating from Spingarn High School in 1966. He served in the U.S. Army from 1968 to 1970, and subsequently graduated from Howard University. His ten-year marriage to Maria Walker ended in divorce in 1980.
During his working career, Bob held positions at the Federal Communications Commission and other Federal agencies, as well as the District of Columbia Government. He ended his career and retired as DC Archivist and Records Historian, Office of the DC Secretary. His other “career” was as a hand dance instructor. In the 1990s, he was licensed by the DC Department of Recreation as an instructor at the Anacostia Park Recreation Center. Bob also was an instructor at The Chateau on Benning Road, where he organized their Sadie Hawkins Dances, among other things. Simply put, he loved to dance, party and have a good time with friends.
In 2016, Bob joined Elks Lodge #2332 in Temple Hills, MD. During his membership there, he served as House Committee Chair and oversaw contract rentals for the rooms used for various purposes such as dances, concerts, and other income-producing events. He also oversaw the procurement of supplies for hall rentals and the bars. After stepping aside from that position, he was appointed Leading Knight, where his responsibilities included supporting the Exalted Ruler and his programs.
Bob had been having health issues for a couple of years. These issues became very serious within the last six months. He passed away peacefully at home in Hospice Care on Friday, January 19, 2024. He leaves behind to mourn his passing two daughters, LaMonica Nelson and April Jones; two granddaughters, Aminah and Shadiyah Jones; a sister, Elaine Nelson; his dear friend, Anita Doleman, as well as extended family, loved ones, and a host of friends.
Bob was a kind, caring individual with a unique sense of humor. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and interacted with him.
During his working career, Bob held positions at the Federal Communications Commission and other Federal agencies, as well as the District of Columbia Government. He ended his career and retired as DC Archivist and Records Historian, Office of the DC Secretary. His other “career” was as a hand dance instructor. In the 1990s, he was licensed by the DC Department of Recreation as an instructor at the Anacostia Park Recreation Center. Bob also was an instructor at The Chateau on Benning Road, where he organized their Sadie Hawkins Dances, among other things. Simply put, he loved to dance, party and have a good time with friends.
In 2016, Bob joined Elks Lodge #2332 in Temple Hills, MD. During his membership there, he served as House Committee Chair and oversaw contract rentals for the rooms used for various purposes such as dances, concerts, and other income-producing events. He also oversaw the procurement of supplies for hall rentals and the bars. After stepping aside from that position, he was appointed Leading Knight, where his responsibilities included supporting the Exalted Ruler and his programs.
Bob had been having health issues for a couple of years. These issues became very serious within the last six months. He passed away peacefully at home in Hospice Care on Friday, January 19, 2024. He leaves behind to mourn his passing two daughters, LaMonica Nelson and April Jones; two granddaughters, Aminah and Shadiyah Jones; a sister, Elaine Nelson; his dear friend, Anita Doleman, as well as extended family, loved ones, and a host of friends.
Bob was a kind, caring individual with a unique sense of humor. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and interacted with him.