Deacon Leodis Nelson

Deacon Leodis Nelson, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, and friend, answered the Master’s call and entered into the presence of the Lord whom he faithfully loved and served. A man of unwavering faith and quiet strength, he dedicated his life to God, his family, and his community. He leaves behind a legacy of love, devotion, laughter, and cherished memories that will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. Though he will be deeply missed, his impact and the example of his faithful walk with Christ will continue to inspire generations to come.

The unforgettable story of Leodis Nelson began on August 3, 1952, when he made his grand entrance into the world, bringing joy to his proud parents, the late Leamon and Gladis Nelson. From an early age, he displayed the kindness, strength, and faith that would become the hallmarks of his life.

On Thursday, May 28, 2026, God called His faithful servant home to the place He had prepared for him. Having lived a life devoted to the Lord, his family, and his community, Leodis entered eternal rest surrounded by the love and promises of the Savior he faithfully served. Though his earthly journey has ended, his legacy of faith, love, and service will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

He attended Ouachita County School through the 10th grade before the schools integrated with the Bearden Public School District. He graduated from Bearden High School in 1971. On December 15, 1978 he married the love of his life Faye Ann Green. During their union 4 children were born.

Following graduation, he worked various jobs before finding his true calling with the Bearden Public School District. During his 31 years of dedicated service, he became much more than a custodian. He was a mentor, father figure, trusted friend, and role model to countless students whose lives he touched while walking the halls of Bearden High School and Bearden Elementary School. His impact extended far beyond the classroom, leaving a lasting legacy of kindness, wisdom, and encouragement that will be remembered for generations. He also served 2 terms on the Bearden City Council.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, Leamon and Gladis Nelson; four brothers, Leroy Nelson, Harold Dean Nelson, Henry Lewis Nelson and Earnest James Nelson and one sister, Bernice Nelson.

He leaves his lasting legacy to his loving and devoted wife of 48 years: Mrs Faye Nelson of Bearden, AR; three daughters: Fatara (Earl) Hines of Little Rock, AR, Kimberly Daniels of Grand Prairie, Texas and Nikita (Kenon) Morris of Hot Springs, AR and one son Neariah(Zalia) Israel of Detroit,Texas.

He leaves three sisters, Catherine Brunston of Compton, California, Norma Nelson of Camden Ark and Melissa Nelson of Bearden, Arkansas; thirteen grandchildren, Jasmine (Ray) Davis, Damien Davis, Kais (DJ) Davis, Dexter Daniels Jr, Jordan Knox, Daisa Nelson, Zaimya Nelson, DeShayla Nelson, DeShawn Nelson Jr, Demarcus Pettus and Caleigh Jones; four great grandchildren, J’Khyri, Essence and Jas’lyn Rideout and Naylani Parnell

His best friend and coffee partner, Pastor Verna Thompson; one special cousin who was more like a brother, Mr. Curtis Tate as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, his church family and his Bearden School family.

Though our hearts are heavy with sorrow, we rejoice in knowing that he has heard the words, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” His earthly labor is complete, his race has been run, and his reward is now in the presence of the Lord. We will miss his warm smile, gentle spirit, wise counsel, and steadfast love, but we find comfort in God’s promise that we will see him again. Until that glorious reunion, his legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Submitted by the family -

A celebratio of his life will be shared at First Missionary Baptist Church in Bearden on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at 11:00 AM with Rev. Verna Thompson, officiating. Visitation will be Saturday, June 6, 2026 from 10:00 AM until service time at the church. Interment will be at Macedonia Cemetery. 

Pallbearers will be William Nettles, Tony Nelson, Parrish Nelson, Zedric Gardner, Greg Thompson and Mike Nelson. Honorary pallbearers will be Damien Davis, Dexter Daniels Jr, Jordan Knox, Deshawn Nelson Jr, Demarcus Pettus, Tyler Hutchins, J’Khyri Rideout and Quintin Gilmore.