Albert "Colonel" Lee Nelson

Albert Lee Nelson, 82, of Durham, North Carolina, departed this life peacefully on Saturday, April 12, 2025, surrounded by love and family. He was born on March 15, 1943, to the late Nettie Nelson Jones and Nathaniel Jones.

                Albert was educated in the Durham Public School System and spent his career working in brick masonry and welding, proud of his skilled hands and the legacy he built. But Albert was much more than his work—he was a storyteller, a comedian, a competitor, and above all, a family man.. Effortlessly funny yet serious when it mattered, Albert had a unique gift: when he spoke, people listened. His larger-than-life personality made him the life of every party. He loved being around family and friends, and he never met a stranger. Always sharp, always clean, Albert was known to step out dressed to the nines “back in the day,” ready to make memories.

                A passionate lover of horseshoes, Albert was not just a player—he was a champion. He and his crew, famously known as the "Nasty Boys" hosted and won countless tournaments, many right in the yards of friends and family. Horseshoes wasn’t just a game to Albert—it was a way of life.

                He also enjoyed spades and pokeno, sharing laughter and competition wherever he went.

Albert was a true father in every sense of the word. He took exceptional care of his three children, Cliton “Charles”, Veronica “Ronnie”, and Valerie “Val,” from the moment they were born. When he married Sylvia Hall Nelson—his loving wife of 32 years—he welcomed her children as his own, never seeing them as anything less. To Albert, family was not defined by blood, but by love, loyalty, and presence.

                He was a supportive husband, a devoted father, a loyal friend, and a pillar in his community. Albert respected all walks of life and all faiths. He welcomed everyone into his home—even those knocking on his door to share their beliefs—always offering a drink and a listening ear.  Though Albert’s health declined in recent months, his spirit never dimmed. He continued to live life with his trademark humor, strength, and warmth until the very end.

Albert leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife, Sylvia Hall Nelson of the home; six children, Clinton “Charles” William (Deniseca) of Creedmoor, NC, Veronica Wilds of Zebulon, NC, Valerie Wilds Battle (Valontay) of Mebane, NC, Mary Julie Vanhook (Teresa) of Philadelphia, PA, Marsha Edwards (Doyle) of Efland, NC, Johnny Vanhook of Teachey, NC; sibling, Ethel “Lois” Jones Davis (Steve) of Durham, NC; 14 Grandchildren: Elon, Malachi, Dyamon, DeMari, Bre’Ona, Ti’Ontay, Tavon, Aaron (Carylse), Melody (Stephon), Monchez (Lauryn), Shaunda (Buddy), Antione, MarKeith, Tyrell and Shay; 35 Great-Grandchildren; special niece, Shamika Jones Haily; and a host of extended family and friends who will continue to carry his memory with them.

He was preceded in death by his siblings: Elvin Lee Nelson, Nathaniel Jones, Doretha Jones, Jimmy Jones, and Velinda Jones Mason.

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