Ms Nelson was a charter member of the Jacksonville First Coast Chapter, in Jacksonville, Florida. Shortly after the chapter was form in 1993, Ms Nelson suffered many medical problems and became disabled, however that did not stop her. She served as Secretary or Assistant Secretary of the chapter since 1997. Ms Nelson was unable to travel, therefore she was never able to attend any regional meetings, or regional or National Training Conferences. Regardless, Ms Nelson kept the chapter updated on all upcoming regional and national events. Ms Nelson ensured that all correspondence was timely and that deadlines were met. Because of Ms Nelson's disability she volunteered for permanent telephone duty to ensure that every member was called each month to remind them about chapter meetings.

Although Ms Nelson's involvement with Blacks In Government was limited to the chapter, she truly loved and was committed to this organization. After Cynthia was confined to a motorized wheelchair and could no longer take care of herself, she paid community transportation from her very limited funds to take her to and from monthly meetings and all chapter events. Needless to say, Ms Nelson missed only three meetings in the past four years, and was always the first member to arrive.

As a resident and President of the Park Ridge Nursing Home and Rehab. Center Residents Council, Ms Nelson established and proudly organized the chapter's Annual Roll N' Stroll in the park. Cynthia took on this challenge to ensure that older and forgotten residents confined to wheelchairs or needed assistance walking could have time away from the facility. Often, if there was no chapter function you could find Cynthia riding through the halls of Park Ridge in a Blacks in Government shirt or hat. She would never leave the facility without a Blacks in Government bag that was brought back for her from National Training Conferences which always included a membership package.

Although Ms Nelson's funds were extremely limited she always cheerfully contributed and participated in chapter and community outreached activities. Even with her many limitations Ms Nelson still marketed chapter functions by phone on behalf of Blacks in Government which she loved.

Ms Cynthia Nelson is truly missed; she will never be forgotten and will always have a place in our hearts.