Willette McCurdy was the 7th of 15 children born to the late Harold Sr. and Katie Lee Nelson on Saturday December 19, 1936 in Chester, South Carolina.  She grew up in Chester and attended public school there.

Willette confessed her belief in Christ at an young age and was a member of Agape Christian Church until they relocated to Richmond, Virginia.  Willette was a retired employee of General Electric Lighting Company, after 34 years of service.

Willette was a friend to many.  Whether it was offering her friendly or not so friendly advice, you can count on he ears to listen and she would share all she knew.  She had wisdom, or something to say to anyone that had the pleasure of meeting he.  She was the parent of eight, but was a mother to many more.  She opened her doors to all; you could always rely on her for a good meal and a place that felt like home.  "She turned many boys to men and girls to women."

Willette loved man, especially her grandkids.  She was affectionately known to them as "Mama" and to her they were untouchable and could do no wrong.  No matter what the situation, it was never bad to her.  She would just say, "Hell, I used to do that too."

Willette went home to join he parents, Harold Sr. and Katie Lee Nelson; her two children, Betty Jean Nelson and Barbara Jean Jackson and her six brothers and sisters, Theda Mae, Harold Jr., Frank, Steve, Edward, and Fannette.

Willette was called from Labor to Reward on Tuesday April 1, 2008.  She leaves to cherish and carry on her legacy;  her 6 brothers and sisters, Flossie Mae Nelson, Josie Bell Page, Carrie Lee Williams, Thomas Nelson Sr., Theodore Nelson, and Betty Jean Davis;  six children, Euvahn Strong (Philadelphia, PA), Carmen McCurdy (Cleveland, OH), James Reed (San Antonio, TX), Marketta Nelson (Philadelphia, PA), Homer McCurdy (Cleveland, OH), and Kevin McCurdy (Cleveland, OH);  29 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren and a host other relatives and friends.