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Nathaniel Eugene Ely was born the 2nd oldest of six children to the late Bishop Joseph Ely & Mother Pauline O. Jones Ely, on September 29, 1944, in Portsmouth, Virginia. He spent his early childhood in Virginia until 1950, at which time his parents relocated to Boston, Massachusetts. Known both simply & affectionately as Nat, he attended the Boston Public School System, graduating from Jamaica Plain High.
Through the years, Nathaniel was employed in several capacities including a salesman for Crystal Shoes, a presser at Belmont Cleaners, a cab driver and his final place of employment: Grimes Oil Company.
Nat was a friendly and outgoing person who loved life and was sure to live it to the fullest. He had a quick wit sense of humor and had the ability to cause laughter no matter where he went. Nat also possessed an impeccable & unique sense of style which always attracted the attention of the ladies.
He enjoyed cooking and reading, especially books by his favorite author: James Patterson which Nat owned the complete collection of the author’s work. Nathaniel loved his family, this was certainly evident in the care in which he gave towards his late father, despite facing his own personal health issues.
In 2015, Nat became a resident of Mt. Pleasant Home in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts where he fostered lasting family ties & friendships with both the staff and residents alike.
Per a recent conversation with family members and holding firm to the truth of God’s word found in Proverbs 22:6… “Train up a child in the way he should go & when he is old, he will not depart from it.”, we are confident Nat accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord & His Savior and transitioned into His eternal rest on Saturday, July 3, 2021, at Brigham & Women’s Hospital.
Nathaniel is preceded in death by his parents: Bishop Joseph Ely & Mother Pauline Ely; brother: Marshall Ely; and his lifelong companion and friend, Wanda Minsky. Nat leaves to cherish his memory his children: Kishima Berry, Skip Ely, Natalie Evans, & Nakiiyah Ely-Anderson; his granddaughter: Essense Evans Cleckley; 2 brothers: Morris Ely (Christine) & David Ely; 2 sisters: Paulette Norman (John) & Deborah Ely; his extended Virginia family: Karen, Alvin & Jonathan Ely; 2 God-given sisters: Claudia Sealie of San Diego, CA & Loretta Dunston of Charlotte, NC; 1 Goddaughter: Valeria Williams; 2 lifelong friends: Kempo White & Charlie Grey; a host of nephews, nieces, cousins & friends and his Mt. Pleasant Home family.
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