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Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

Rev. Nelson Staples III

06/30/1948 - 06/20/2021

Text:

Obituary For Rev. Nelson Staples III

Reverend Nelson Staples III, the Senior Pastor of the Mount Zion Baptist Church of Beckley, WV passed away on Sunday, June 20, 2021.

Pastor Staples was born June 30, 1948 in the little town of Besoco, WV and grew up in the “Red Brush" of Beckley, WV. He was a graduate of Stratton High School. He earned his BA from the University of Charleston, Charleston, WV and his MA from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary at Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA. He completed post-graduate work at Marshall University, West Virginia University and the Doctoral Ministry Degree Program at Liberty University.

Pastor Staples was called to serve God and licensed to preach at the historic Mt. Zion Baptist Church in 1977 and ordained in 1978. He was in ministry for over 43 years and previously pastored four churches in the state of WV; Ebenezer Baptist Church (Beckley), Second Baptist Church (Beckley), Mt. Beulah Baptist Church (Grant Town) and First Baptist Church (White Sulphur Springs).

Pastor Staples, being obedient to the mandate as prescribed in Matthew 28, “Go ye into all the world”, has preached the Gospel in Germany and Haiti. His civil service and church affiliations include: Vice-President of the Raleigh County Chapter of the NAACP; served in numerous capacities for Tygart Valley Ministries; President of the Deacons conference, Dean of Christian Education and Moderator for the Tygart Baptist Association.

Pastor Staples served on many boards including State Board of Directors for the Black Diamond Girl Scout Council, State Board for Public Broadcasting Services, Board of Directors Raleigh County Women’s Resource Center, Board of Directors Med-Surg Group and the WV Advisory Group for the United States Commission on Civil Rights.

Pastor Staples was preceded in death by his beloved parents, the late Virgie Staples and the late Pastor Nelson B. Staples Jr. and his lovely wife the late Karen R. Hairston Staples, a retired public school teacher and free-lance artist.

Pastor Staples leaves to cherish his memory are his two brothers, Attorney Dwight Staples and Reverend Dr. Jerry Staples; two sisters, Mrs. Marva Anthony and Mrs. Samantha Banks.

Pastor Staples was the father of five children, Mrs. Rhea Staples-Brown, Mrs. Tracie Staples-Parker, Mrs. Kristin Staples-Anderson, Attorney Nelson R. Staples IV and Dr. Saria A. Staples; the grandfather of twelve grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces; great-nephews, cousins and friends. His devoted church families sustained him throughout his lifetime.

Pastor Staples was excited about Jesus and preaching the word of God. He had a great love of “God’s Word” and concern for God’s people. He freely gave of himself to preach and teach whenever called upon. He was a true man of God.

Funeral service will be 12:00PM Friday, July 2, 2021 at Calvary Assembly of God 319 Sunset Dr, Beckley with Rev. Walter M. Leach and Rev. Dr. Jerry Staples officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Prosperity.

Friends, while wearing gloves and masks and observing social distancing, may view two hours prior to the service.

Email condolences to ritchie-johnson@suddenlinkmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.

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  • 07/01/2021

    Sorry for your loss!

  • 07/01/2021

    I had the pleasure of being Reverend Staples Choir Director at First Baptist Church in White Sulphur, WV. During his pastoral at FBC , we were able to travel and bring the word of God on 52 engagements in WV, VA and OH and Praise God it was a blessing! Reverend Staples, I will sing one of your favorite song "Search Heaven Over, Looking For You". I am forever grateful to you and Sister Staples for your spiritual guidance, for your love and your prayers! Heaven is truly rejoicing! Sister Margaret Sweeney.

  • 07/01/2021

    to family of Rev DR. Nelson Staple I am sending my condolence your love one Clifford s curry certified rural chaplains of the Rural chaplain association of America and the world

  • 06/30/2021

    To the Staples Family. You have our deepest sympathy in the lost of this wonderful man, and truly of a man of God. We pray you find comfort in knowing he is in a better place. Remember to cherish all the sweet memories you have. Our families have known each other for many years. Our thoughts ,prayers, and love are with you. May God bless each of you!!! Epps, Baskin, and Harris Family

  • 06/30/2021

  • 06/30/2021

    I became acquainted with Rev. Staples at Woodrow Wilson High where he did some substitute teaching and where I had the pleasure of teaching Tracie and Magic as well as son-in-law Ted. I've always held the Staples Family in high regard and extend sincere condolences. Prayers and hugs to all.. Deborah Cashion Gobble

  • 06/30/2021

    To the Staples family, I love you all and I send my deepest condolences. Pastor Staples blessed me when I wanted to become a Deaconess and at that time you had to be married. I was not. I came to him and told him I felt God wanted me in this position just as I am. He changed that at First Baptist Church for me to be Deaconess. Thank you Pastor Staples. I will truly miss you. I miss you now.

  • 06/30/2021

    You will be missed beyond measure. It feels like unconditional love as I once knew it is officially gone. You have been an uncle, father figure, pastor and friend to me since I had the pleasure of becoming a part of the Staples Family. Your godly example to Joseph will be held dear to our hearts. I'm so glad we got to spend time with you in March and April. Your musical gift will live on in our song endings, until we meet again. You have my word that we wont sing the same part and get you upset. We will branch off in harmony in your honor....Kiss Aunt Kay for me. Love you today and always.....(Robinhood)

  • 06/30/2021

    To the Staples Family, I extend my heartfelt sympathy in the passing of Pastor Staples. I had the great privilege to get to know Skeeter and Kay, when they were Pastor and First Lady at Ebenezer. Skeeter brought a renewed spiritual energy through his sermons and growth/development of the music ministry.What anointed singers, he and Kay were! One of the duets, they often sang was "Walk around Heaven", Pastor Skeeter, you are now doing what you'll sang about as our Father in Heaven has called you home. Will keep the family in my thoughts and prayers Terri Ritchie Brown

  • 06/29/2021

    To our Staples family, God gave us the best eight years that we will always cherish and treasure. With Reverend Nelson Staples and Sister Staples at First Baptist Church at White Sulphur Springs, they both were our greatest leaders and teachers that the Good Lord sent us. Words cannot explain how we both feel about our Staples family. Reverend Staples was not only a true man of God, but a friend. We could laugh with him, cry with him, and pray with him. Our years spent together will always be in our heart, mind, and soul. They both were good, down-to-earth people. Thanks for all the good times we shared together. One day we will join together in our Father's heavenly home, and we will "search Heaven over looking for you" and all of our loved ones. We love you and your family. Chester and Tammy Sharp

  • 06/29/2021

    On behalf of the Bill West Family, I want to express our condolences to the Staples Family. Prayers are with you.

  • 06/29/2021

    To the Staples family. I don't have the words to tell you how heartbreaking it was to hear about the loss of someone so dear. For more than 50 years, I have considered myself an honorary member of the family. Singing with the VOZ has been one of the most memorable chapters in my life and something that I will cherish forever. Skeeter will forever be in my heart.

  • 06/29/2021

    I HAVE KNOWN THIS BEAUTIFUL FAMILY FOR YEARS, AND I REMEMBER HOW I WOULD GET EXCITED WHEN I KNEW WE WERE GOING TO MT. ZION, WHEN I WAS A LITTLE GIRL. I HAVE NEVER KNOWN ANYTHING FROM PASTOR STAPLES OTHER THAN PREACHING, AND LIVING GOD'S WORD. MAY GOD BLESS, STRENGTHEN, AND KEEP YOU ALL STAPLES FAMILY DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME, AND IN THE DAYS AHEAD. PRAYERFULLY SUBMITTED, OTEALIA CRIDER

  • 06/28/2021

    To the Family of my pastor rev Nelson staples as I received the call that pastor has answered the call from labor to reward tears rolled down my cheek but as I set here holding the Bible u gave me as I hold this book in my hand many prayers and conversation we shared I'm a free man today because of your prayers and your zeal to help me in ways only u and I know I was blessed by u being my pastor and mentor as I often sung I'm going search heaven over looking for u sleep on pastor I will see u on the other side Sympathetically submitted pastor Greg E Scott..

  • 06/28/2021

    So sorry to hear of the passing of Pastor Nelson (Skeeter) Staples. We will keep the entire Staples family in our thoughts and prayers. Pastor Lawrence and Beverly (Tyree) Robinson, Dallas, TX

  • 06/28/2021

    With sincere Sympathy!

  • 06/28/2021

    To the Staples Family, may God bless you in your sadness. The pain, tears, and empty hearts will slowly ease. Skeeter blessed so many families, and many will miss him. He now has a new home with Jesus. He has completed the work that was assigned by the Master and now is called to rest. I thank God for the years that I knew him from high school, my classmate & my friend. Sam & Mildred Mason

  • 06/28/2021

    To the family of Rev. Nelson Staples III, Our heart goes out to you during this time of sorrow. I can remember going to Mt. Beulah, Grant Town, WV to hear you preach and when I heard you sing and talk about your life growing up, I thought, what a down to earth person. Letting the congregation know, God can and will bring you out. My husband, William "Turk" went to school with you and Kay and the many stories he told and calling you "Skeeter". You will be missed but God loved you more and you will definitely being singing with ALL the Angels. When we all get to heaven what a day.... that will be. Love Deacon William "Turk" Hairston, and Wife, Wendy, Charlotte, The Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church- Pastor Charles Miller, Tygart Valley Baptist Association-Moderator Paul Mitchell.

  • 06/25/2021

    Rev. Skitter is what the family called him. I can hear him singing now as he sweeps down the aisle of the church. He preached my mother's funeral in 2012.. I heard him a few times after her home going Celebration. I listen to him on YouTube.. He expressed God word with vigor and the power of the Holy Spirit. I knew him as a friend Kay and he were such a delight. I will miss him but God plan is bigger than all of us. He wanted His Saint to come home. He whispered in His voice Well done my good and faithful servant. Come to.the mansion I have for you! Love the Lowe Family LaShene Lowe and all our cousins send their condolences.

  • 06/25/2021

    Nelson was my classmate in high school and he always had a smile for everyone. My sincerest condolences to the family. Jewell Hoover

  • 06/25/2021

    To the family of Pastor Nelson, you are in my prayers, he was a mighty man of God, I will never forget that time that I heard him preach it has stuck with me, what a mighty word it was.

  • 06/25/2021

    I will never forget the times that we talked I just want to say Thank You for welcoming me into your life and into the church with open arms I will never forget the moments or the memories Thank you for always being there for me when i needed someone to talked to... To the family I am so sorry for your loss may God Bless You and Give you all the his Love and Warmth & Comfort that you all need at this difficult time

  • 06/25/2021

    Thank you most Holy Lord for the abundance of spiritual gifts and talents which Pastor Staples used to equip the Saints for ministry and to build up the body of Christ May he Rest In Peace.

  • 06/25/2021

    Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us everyday. Unseen, unheard but always near. So loved, so missed, so very dear. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Vernita Williams Grand Prairie TX

  • 06/25/2021

    Prayers for the family. He was a great man. _ Charlene Wynes Davis_

  • 06/25/2021

    That man was a true Man of God. Pastor help me so much with his wisdom and understanding. Pastor I love you and truly will miss you. You cross over the Jordan River and now he resting with Jesus. God Bless. Rev. Steven J. Lewis

  • 06/24/2021

    Rev. Nelson and Sis Kay were my friends in high school. We met here in Ohio one Sunday when they came on a bus to Rev. Leftridge's church. They were two awesome people. Young people as well as adults. They loved the Lord and I loved them. I use to play the piano for his father when I was home for a short stint in Beckley. Nelson you will be missed. God rest you now. You have gone from your labor to your reward. God has elevated both you and Kay. Rest well.

  • 06/24/2021

    My sincere prayer and condolences to the Staples Family. May God give you peace and comfort during this time. Rest on Reverend Staples, your light will shine on in the hearts of the people .

  • 06/24/2021

    In this season of miracles, may the sorrow in your heart be cradled in the gentle hands of hope and healing transformed by love to peace. Morning Star Baptist Church, Fairmont, WV. Wesley Q. Dobbs, Pastor

  • 06/24/2021

    Condolences to the Staples family .mere words cannot express the sadness in my heart.praying for the family

  • 06/24/2021

    In the passing of my beloved Reverend Nelson Staples IIII, I offer condolences and love to the family. He was a former Pastor and friend. I will forever value his teachings and encouragement. He said when he performed my marriage over 17 years ago, he used the kind of glue that sticks. Through valleys and many bumps, his words have proved to be true. Will miss dialing his number, but he has earned his reward. Rest well Reverend.

  • 06/23/2021

    He was a good man will be mess by any people.prayer to the staples family

  • 06/23/2021

    Pastor Nelson E Staples III will truly be missed. He had such a kind loving compassion for people. Once I was i'll and on oxygen for a long time. This one particular time I was able to go out with my daughter to the store. It a cold winter day so I sat in the car all wrapped up feeling bad and he came out the store and seen me in the car and said "How you doing? You looking really good, looking really good. Don't open the window because I don't want you getting air in your lungs." That made to feel so good, because I was really down, felt like a looked a mess with oxygen up my nose. Those words and that big smile made my day, I thanked him and last time he preached at Sky Baptist, I had the chance to convey my appreciation. What a mighty man of God. My heartfelt sympathy , prayers and love goes out to the entire Staples Family as well as His Church Family. I know He is resting in peace. His living was not in vain.

  • 06/23/2021

    My wife ( Amanda) and I extended our condolences to the Neson Staples family. As a classmate of "66" I feel extremely bessed to have known Nelson on a close level. I will always remember our wonderful times at Dear Old Stratton. May God be with the family now and forever. Billy and Amanda Sawyers

  • 06/23/2021

    My condolences to the Staples's family. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers and cherished memories. Rest In Peace 💜💜. Bertha Collins

  • 06/23/2021

    Our condolence and prayers to the Staples during their loss of a father, brother, uncle, cousin and Pastor. We pray God will wrap his loving arms around you and comfort you as only he can. Pastor Staples was a great kind and humble man and will forever live on in our memories. God bless .....Bishop James & Delena Jones

  • 06/22/2021

    My condolence and prayers to the Nelson Staples family. May God comfort and strengthen you as only he can.

  • 06/22/2021

  • 06/22/2021

    My condolences to the Staples family. I will keep you all in my prayers. Love all of you. God bless. ----Angel Lawson

  • 06/22/2021

    My you continue to Take your rest in the LORD . MAN IM SO LOST FOR WORD'S 😪 REV. U WERE MY FRIEND & MY PASTOR, WE AT MT. ZOIN GONNA BE LOST WITHOUT YOU. MAN OH MAN YOUR FOUGHT A VEEY GOOD FIGHT . WE WATCHED YOU COME IN GIVING GOD PRAISE. I / WE LOVED & PRAYED FOR YOU . MY HEART ❤ IS 💔 ...... NOT ONLY COULD YOU PREACH BUT SING AS WELL. I CAN HEAR U NOW SAYING GIVE ME THE KEY ( SHEIK). 😂 LORD HAVE MERCY..😪😪 YOUR R PREACHING & SINGING WITH THE ANGLE'S IN GLORY NOW.. SO KEEP SEARCHING HEAVEN OVER , BECAUSE WHEN GOD CALLS ME HOME I WANT YOU TO SEE ME .🥰 LOVE U REV. SKEETER , TAKE YOUR REST ! YOU DESERVE IT. WELL DONE SREVENT 👏 WELL DKNE.

  • 06/21/2021

    PASTOR NELSON GREAT MAN OF GOD. ALWAYS TRYING KEEP EVERYONE SPIRITS UP. HE HAD A BIG HEART AND FOUGHT A GOOD FIGHT .ONE OF MY BROTHER HAYWOOD CLOSET FRIENDS. MAY THE LORD BLESS HIS FAMILY AND OUR CHURCH FAMILY WITH STRENGTH AND COMFORT LOVE Y'ALL THERESA MANNS AND FAMILY 😇😇😇💕💕💕

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