PaQuita Nelson

In the city of Little Rock, AR, on August 30, 1971, William and Evelyn Boddie, welcomed into this world a very small bundle of joy and named her PaQuita Lanell Boddie. The world would never be the same again.

PaQuita started life being raised by her maternal grandparents in Dalark, AR where she was welcomed by all family around her. Living in Dalark, she learned to walk, talk, sing, dance and much more. When she learned to put sentences together, it was on. She became very outspoken and that never changed. She stayed with her grandparents until she was old enough for school, then she reunited with her parents.

PaQuita was no stranger to education, attending school in California and Arkansas. She graduated from the class of 1989 from Arkadelphia High School. After graduation, PaQuita gained several employment opportunities until she settled in at Pro Drivers where she worked until her health began to fail.

Her Christian journey began at Mt. Olive A.M.E. Dalark, AR. After relocating to Memphis, TN, she joined Galilee Missionary Baptist Church in Brighton, TN. In August 2007, PaQuita joined hands in marriage with John Nelson and gained Ashley and Brandon. On October 15, 2010, PaQuita and John welcomed Spencer into the world. During this time PaQuita gained many friends. She truly loved her family. She and her first cousins were bonded like sisters and brothers and the whole family held long phone conversations often. PaQuita found joy in her family history and became the family historian. She joined Ancestory.com and discovered so many things she was excited about and couldn’t wait to share.

Life on Earth will never be the same, but in the meantime, she will be waiting to receive her loved ones. Her husband, John Nelson; her sons, Andrew Hughes, Spencer Nelson, and bonus son, Brandon Nelson; Bonus daughter, Ashley Nelson; two grandchildren, Alsia and Kendrick Carter; her parents, William Boddie and Evelyn McClanahan Boddie; two brothers, David Boddie, and Sean Boddie; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.

Visitation will be Friday, February 13, 2026, at Mitchell Funeral Home in Arkadelphia, AR from 2:00 P.M.- 6:00 P.M. The Celebration of Life will be Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. at St. Paul A.M.E. Church in Arkadelphia, AR. Burial and Final resting place will be in McClanahan Cemetery in Arkadelphia, AR.