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The city has lost another music staple of the Gospel Community! Paul “Neal” Nelson passed away Thursday, February 16th. “Neal”, as we affectionatly called him”, was member of a number of music aggregations in the city. He was also a part Isaiah Thomas’ Elements of Praise. In fact, he wrote Thomas’ last smash single “The Greatest”. He was a drummer’s drummer!

Neal hailed from the iconic Nelson Family where his sisters Charese of Richard Smallwood’s Vision and Charlene all sang together as a family. Our prayers goes out to the entire Nelson Family!!!

Check out some of the city’s Face Book responses to his homegoing!

Trigina Renae Hunt

Just found out that my friend & big brother Paul Neal Nelson Jr has transitioned. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife Valena, Charrisse, Charlene & Rev. Jackie. NOBODY could make you laugh like him! Rest in Paradise…until we all meet again!

Yolanda “Isasinger” Jones

Charrisse, Charlene, Velena, Mamma Nelson, you are in my prayers in the loss of your brother, husband, son & my friend & brother. If there is any way I can be of assistance please don’t hesitate to let me know. Paul Neal Nelson was such a wonderful & talented person with such a huge & fun personality. He will truly be missed!

Elder Vikki Johnson of “Girl Talk on Praise 104.1”

Learned this morning that one of the nicest guys & most talented musicians I was blessed to know passed away this morning ~ Paul Neal Nelson Jr. I found THIS SONG on his page and I think it just about sums up how I feel about this year thus far ~ IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL!

Co-Pastor Mary Wilson, Union Temple Baptist Church

Remembering Paul Neal Nelson today and how passionate he was in his PRAISE! HE DID NOT let those drums get in his way…….. RIP NEAL….

Jared Sawyers

SO sorry to hear of the passing of my friend, Paul Neal Nelson Jr!! He was such a cool, funny dude. I can just see him now talking to me while looking over the top of his glasses. He was a great musician and songwriter too. My prayers are surely with Charrisse Nelson-Mcintosh and the entire Nelson family. Here’s a song Neal wrote a few years back.

Pastor Marvin McCoy, Judah Christian Center

Sending my prayers to the family on the transition of Brother Neal – to the Nelson family: Charrisse Nelson-Mcintosh , wife Valena, Mother Nelson – we love you and pray for strength

David Dupree

I am in shock as I just received the news of the passing of a very good friend of mine, Paul Neal Nelson Jr. While I am at a loss for words right now, what comes immediately to my mind is that Whitney needed a special drummer for that heavenly choir and Neal got that call. Play on Neal!

Elder Gregory Poole, Jr

We are sorry to hear of the passing of Paul Neal Nelson Jr please let us keep the Nelson family in prayer during this tough time. RIP NEAL

Rev. Anika Wilson, Union Temple Baptist Church

Neal was the best drummer in DC. He was the ONLY drummer I knew growing up. He was like a big brother. Always teasing me and making me laugh… I loved how he said. ” Neeeek, what’s up Neeeek!?!” He was a praiser!! Have you ever seen that dude jump OVER the drum set to get his shout on?!? Wow!!! He will be missed! So many fond memories of Paul Neal Nelson Jr!!

Check out Isaiah Thomas and Neal of Elements of Praise singing his song “The Greatest” at a Superfest Rehearsal!