Mrs. Phyllis Brandon Nelson entered eternal rest on November 7, 2025, after a courageous and faith-filled journey through illness. Phyllis was the eldest of eight children, born on May 5, 1947, to the late Joseph and Ruby Brandon. She was lovingly raised in Roxboro, North Carolina, by her aunt and uncle, Clifford and Sarah Galbreath.

Phyllis was educated in the Person County School System in Roxboro before entering high school in Culpeper, Virginia, where she attended George Washington Carver High School. Following graduation, she continued her studies at the Peabody Institute Conservatory of Music, where she was classically trained under the instruction and influence of the renowned pianist Van Cliburn, and later continued her education at Virginia Union University.

After college, Phyllis began her career in business at Germanna Community College in Locust Grove, Virginia, where she met the love of her life, Navonia "Von" Nelson. The two were united in marriage and shared a beautiful life together for 53 years.

A woman of deep compassion, creativity, and faith, Phyllis lived her life as a true servant of God. She was a self-taught artist, seamstress, florist, and furniture upholsterer who brought beauty and warmth into every room she touched. Her love for music shone brightly— Phyllis dedicated over 50 years as a church pianist, sharing her gift in congregations throughout Richmond, Culpeper, Fredericksburg, Maryland, and Ohio. She also scored and composed music, using her God-given talent to uplift, comfort, and inspire all who heard her.

Phyllis was blessed with a loving husband; two devoted children, Robbin Branch and Clifford "Todd" Nelson (Joyce Nelson); and three cherished grandchildren: Nikolas Branch, Kristopher Branch, and Cruz Nelson. She is also survived by her cousin Patricia Brandon Coleman of Stafford, VA, who was raised alongside her as a sister; her two surviving sisters, Claudette "Nancy" Carey of Plainfield, NJ, and Sonia Jenkins of Charlotte, NC; two God children, Jeffrey Scott and Monica Bumbrey, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, extended relatives, church family, and dear friends.

Phyllis leaves us to join her father, mother, her brother, Cliffton Cornell Brandon; and four sisters, Leal Anea Brandon, Loydette "Messy" Brandon, Andrea "Angie" Brandon, and Karla Brandon.

Phyllis's life was defined by devotion, compassion, and love. She was a woman of principle, called to serve her family and her faith with grace and humility—but she was also known for her bold opinions and her ability to fill any room with wisdom, truth, and light. Her legacy lives on not only through the beauty she created but through the lives she touched, the faith she lived, and her honest, no-nonsense way of speaking the truth with love (and a little attitude).

A viewing will be held at Shiloh Baptist Church Old Site, 801 Sophia Street, Fredericksburg, VA, 22401, on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 10:00 AM, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM. Click here to view a live streaming of the funeral service. The interment will be held at Culpeper National Cemetery, 305 U.S. Avenue, Culpeper, VA, 22701, on Monday, November 17, 2025, at 10:00 AM.