Bessie Y "Cukye" (Nelson) Khaalid

Bessie Yvonne “Cukye “Nelson-Khaalid was born in York, South Carolina on June 8, 1954 and entered into eternal life on February 26, 2021.

The oldest child of the late Napoleon Nelson and Virginia Price Nelson, she is known to all as “Cukye”. Her early years of education was in Chester, South Carolina.  Although she began her high school years at Finley High School in Chester, in 1972 she graduated from Evander Childs High School in Bronx, New York. Cukye graduated from Kings College in 1974. Continuing her education, she attended Sacred Heart College in Belmont, N.C. and Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte, North Carolina.

A lover of the arts, Cukye found every chance to engage in selected opportunities where she could use her creative talents. She enjoyed playing several instruments such as the piano, flute, clarinet and the trombone. These musical talents were used as she was part of the marching band and orchestra. Cukye played basketball and enjoyed softball in the summer. Her performance in the musical Pippin was an experience she treasured.

 Her favorite hobbies were traveling, music, dance (modern, tap, and jazz), and sports.  However, her greatest joy was seeing others HAPPY!

Cukye worked in various settings over the years. She was employed by the Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools as a secretary for Title I and other federal programs.  For more than 20 years, she was the administrative assistant and bookkeeper for Lemira Elementary School. Her pleasing personality and professionalism set the tone for a family friendly school.  She wore many hats at Lemira as she made sure all office affairs were decent and in order, reminded the faculty and staff of district policies and made sure everything that represented the school was first class! Cukye was co-manager for the Lemira Elementary Percussion Ensemble.  Her work ethics were phenomenal!

Cukye was a very active member of the Association of Educational School Office Professionals, Inc; South Carolina Educational Office Professionals, Inc; former president of SCEOP, District 3 director which includes Williamsburg, Clarendon, Sumter and Lee Counties, and Certified Educational Office Employer.  She was our “Super Cukye!”

 In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her uncle, Mr. Louis Melvin Nelson, aunt, Alma Merchant, and William “Pete” Worthy (reared as her brother).

She is survived by her husband, Shawqu Khaalid of Sumter, S.C.; daughter, Wanda A. Nelson of Charlotte, N.C.; three grandchildren: Demetre’ N. Nelson (Madi), Nyasia M. Nelson, and Nigel N.Fogle, all of Charlotte, N. C.; one great-grandson, Kayden Green, of Charlotte, N.C.; one brother, Louis M. Nelson Sr.,(Michelle); one nephew, Louis M. Nelson, Jr.; reared as her siblings, Dorothy Means of Charlotte, N. C.; and Eugene Worthy of Chester, S.C.; mother in law, Ann. M. Bowman of Clements, MD; three sisters-in- law:, Mildred Douglas of Waldorf, MD; Debra Frederick of Clements, MD; Carla White of Laurel, MD,; four brothers -in- law: Brad Bowman and Kenny Bowman of Clements, MD,; Terry Bowman of Laurel, MD,; and Mark Bowman of Callaway, MD,; and three stepsons: Walter Bowman of Jacksonville, FL.; Jamaal Khaalid of Laurel MD, and Rashaad Khaalid of Brandywine, MD., and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and very close extended family and friends.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the family will not have visitations in the home.

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