Maurice Nelson was born in East St. Louis, Illinois, on March 2, 1936, to Edna Falconer. He moved to Cleveland, Ohio and was educated in that school system.

He married Edna Holly in 1963, and they became a blended family, which included Maurice’s daughter, Pamela M. Woods; and Edna’s daughters, Deborah Anne Holly and Marva “Cookie” Holly.

Maurice worked at a hospital, a meat packing company, and in the Cleveland Public School District from which he retired. However, he most enjoyed what he referred to as his “side hustles”, which was his actual second job. They included taking Polaroid pictures in clubs and at social events. However, his most prestigious second job was that of DJ at various clubs in and around the greater Cleveland area, where he became known as “Soul Man”. He founded a dance group called “The Soul Man Dancers” and, as his cousin Willie stated

“He always kept the family up on the latest line dances.” He could spin some records and did so with style! His stage setup was elaborate and took a good deal of time to set up. It was during that period that he became a father figure and mentor to those who helped him set up, as well as other young men in the community. He may have seemed stern or was a hard taskmaster both personally and professionally, but he said it was because he wanted you “to be the best that you could be.”

Maurice enjoyed luxury cars, motorcycles and playing cards. After retirement, he loved watching Westerns, CNN and most of all, Judge Judy. Anyone who knew him, understood not to call him between the hours of 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. because you would not have his full attention. It was a special treat when she came on at 3:00 a.m., so he would get to see her twice in one day! He also enjoyed going down to the Lake, especially to check out the “Old School” cars and watch the water.

Maurice loved family and friends and met no strangers wherever he went. He truly was a “Unique” individual and an all-around “Good Guy.” He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Edna Nelson, mother Edna Falconer and sister Constance Smith.

Maurice leaves to cherish his loving memory daughters, Rev. Pamela Hunter, Marva

“Cookie Holly, Deborah Holly McGill; grandsons, Christopher “Chris” Woods (Robin), and Calvin “Tony Davis; nieces Crystal Jackson, Lisa Falconer, Mellanee Smith, Joy Welch Bey; nephews Alvin Nelson El Amin (Asilah) and Alphonzo Nelson (Eileen, deceased) and John “Bucky” Head (Alice).

Maurice was also known as “Dad”, “Pops”, “Uncle” and “Grandad” to many, as well as a host of other relatives, friends and their families.