Shawn Nelson , 42, of Woodford, Virginia, passed away peacefully on February 17, 2026. Born March 17, 1983, Shawn was a dedicated father, son, brother, and friend whose warmth, humor, and strength touched everyone around him.

Shawn attended Caroline High School. Previously he was employed at Blue Beacon and Value City Furniture. His last job was as a forklift operator with McLane Distribution, which he left due to illness. On November 10, 2024, after receiving a heart transplant Shawn was blessed with 15 more months, during which he embraced life fully. Despite frequent hospital visits and over 20 daily medications, nothing stopped him from enjoying life. He always lived on his own terms.

Family was Shawn's greatest priority. He took immense pride in being a loving father to his three sons, NayShawn, KeyShawn, and TyShawn Nelson. He shared a devoted relationship with his girlfriend, Sabrina Deaver, who stood by him through countless doctor appointments and hospital stays. Shawn supported his family wholeheartedly, whether offering encouragement or cheering from the sidelines. Shawn enjoyed fishing with his brother Tony, taking his three sons on fishing trips, and playing basketball.

Shawn was passionate about the San Francisco 49ers and photography. As owner of True Dreams Photography, his work appeared in ENV'YD Magazine, and he showcased his talent at Fashion Week in New York in November 2025 and as recently as February 13, 2026. Known for his unwavering loyalty to the 49ers, he helped establish the 540 Faithfuls of the Niner Empire. Even when Shawn didn't have, he wanted to make sure others had. He loved serving meals at the homeless shelter, delivering packages to the Women of Domestic Violence, and he loved the 49er Watch parties and events.

He was preceded in death by his father, James Nelson; paternal grandparents, James and Annie Nelson; maternal grandparents, Lyman and Lucille Wright; and a special cousin, Andre Nelson.

Shawn is survived by his sons, NayShawn, KeyShawn, and TyShawn Nelson; his mother, Paula Poole; stepfather, Pastor Kevin Poole; brother, Tony Nelson; aunts, Carolyn Woolfolk (Aubrey), Carol Wright, and Olivia Holmes; uncle, Kirk Nelson (Shelia); great uncle, Pastor Eddie Nelson (Dot); nieces, Shertonya and Tonique Nelson; step-siblings, Amber Poole and Kevin J. Poole; special cousins, Travis Nelson, Aubrey Jr. and Asia Woolfolk; many others close to his heart, including Jace Nelson, Jay Stewart, Taniya and Dasia Boone; friends who were like brothers, Cedric Derricott, Brandon Woolridge, Richie Brooks. Jamar Mines and Travis Cave, friends for over 30 years, in particular, have supported him through thick and thin; Keona Crawford, a friend of 25 years; his devoted girlfriend, Sabrina Deaver; and a host of other relatives and friends.

A visitation will be held at Caroline Community Center, 17202 Richmond Turnpike, Milford, VA 22514, on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 10:00 AM followed by a Celebration of Life at 11:00 AM, with Bishop Thomas O. Holmes, Jr. of New Life Pentecostal Church, in Ruther Glen, VA, officiating and delivering the eulogy.  Click here to view the funeral program.