Edith Osborne Nevins

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I have fought an excellent fight. I have finished my full course with all my might, and
I’ve kept my heart full of faith. II Timothy 4:7 The Passion Translation
Obituary for Edith Salisbury Nevins – In My Own Words
I thank God for letting me live this long—94 years and 360 days! God has blessed
me with a good life. I prayed and thanked Him daily, morning and night.
I was born Edith Salisbury Osborne on January 26, 1931, in New York City to Richard and
Edith Osborne, one of six children. We all shared the Salisbury name, and my siblings, in
order, were Richard, Samuel, George, Dorothea, myself, Edith, and our youngest—and
tallest—brother John. I received my formal education in Brooklyn, New York. I met and
married Kenneth Nevins in New York, and early in our marriage we moved to Cleveland,
Ohio, where we raised our five sons: Albert, Fredrick, Gerald, Richard, and William.
I worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse for more than 35 years at various hospitals in
Cleveland. At age 53, I decided it was time for a new challenge. I returned to school and
graduated from Cleveland State University in June 1983 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in
Communication. It is never too late to learn and grow!
In July 1984, I was appointed Neighborhood Director of the Forest Hills Office for
Neighborhood Housing Services. I was also an active member and officer for more than 20
years at Glenville Presbyterian Church in Cleveland, Ohio.
Driven by my deep interest in politics and advocacy, I served for 15 years on the Black
Women’s Political Action Committee. My roles included Photographer and Historian for 15
years and Chairperson of the Political Action and Education Committee for 10 years. I
retired as Vice President in 1996. The mission of this organization—to help Black women
become viable candidates for political office—was close to my heart.
In 2004, I was honored by the Black Women’s PAC as its first Historian. I served as the
breakfast speaker at the Saturday membership meeting, and later that day the PAC history
books were placed in the Western Reserve Historical Society, an affiliate of the
Smithsonian Institution. I was blessed to have three generations of my family present for
this meaningful occasion.
At age 53, another new chapter began. After 35 years of marriage, I divorced my husband
and embraced a full and independent life—becoming, as I like to say, a Social Butterfly! I
chose to remain in the United States while my former husband retired to Jamaica.
California, Here I Come
When I retired on February 1, 1996, my son Richard and his wife Sharon invited me to
move to Moreno Valley, California where they provided me with my brand-new ranch-style
retirement home. I have treasured living and entertaining in my home and making friends
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in my new community and I appreciate Richard and Sharon for opening that new door for
me to soar.
In 1997, I became an active member of Quinn AME Church under Rev. Mike Barta. Over
the years, I served in many roles, including Church Photographer; Secretary for the Quinn
Community Outreach Corporation; Volunteer Lay Health Advisor; member of the Women’s
Missionary Service Scholarship Committee; and a term on the Board of Trustees.
I was appointed Program Coordinator for the Southern California Witness Project for two
years, during which time I initiated One-Stop Free Mammogram Screenings for lowincome,
uninsured women, including African American and Hispanic women in Riverside
and San Bernardino Counties. I also served for three years with COPE (Congregations
Organized for Prophetic Engagement), supporting outreach to formerly incarcerated
individuals.
From Gardening to Good Health
After moving to California, I discovered a love for gardening. I learned to tell a weed from
grass, planted 12 rose bushes, and proudly watched them thrive for 30 years. Gardening
brought me peace, quiet, and rest for my soul. Sitting on my covered patio for breakfast,
lunch, and many moments in between became good medicine.
During this time, I also learned to better manage my health by reordering my priorities,
balancing activity with rest, and embracing healthier habits. These changes strengthened
my body and spirit and allowed me to continue enjoying life fully.
Family, Photography, and Friendship
My five sons gave me a beautiful 80th birthday celebration that brought together relatives
and friends from near and far for several joyful days of family activities. I later attended
weekly senior photography classes at Riverside Community College for five years,
enjoying field trips, learning new skills, and forming friendships that I treasured.
To Globe Trotting
I loved to travel and embraced the lessons of leisure taught to me by my dear friend and
travel companion, Lorene Curl, whom I met at Quinn AME Church. Together and with
family and friends, I experienced unforgettable journeys, including a 10-day trip to Italy with
my sister Dorothea, a trip to St. Kitts, our mother’s birthplace, with my sister Dorothea and
Lorene, and a remarkable trip to Egypt with my son Gerald and his wife Denise—where I
even rode a camel despite my fears. I came too far not to try it once!!!!
Travel also deepened friendships, strengthened my faith, and broadened my perspective. I
especially cherished opportunities to attend family gatherings across the country and to
spend time with my grandchildren. Several of my granddaughters were raised in different
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states and didn’t know one another. I encouraged them to exchange email addresses to
inspire connection and love among them. I praise God every day for my health and
strength to have been able to be part of their growing years.
Mentorship and Legacy
One of my greatest joys was mentoring and supporting young people, including Tammy
Reed and Precious Wynn, whom I tutored and encouraged from 2013 to 2015. Witnessing
their educational and personal growth filled my heart with happiness and gratitude.
I have always felt called to encourage young men and women to follow their dreams.
Having achieved many goals myself, I was blessed to share my experiences and offer bits
of wisdom—always with a little sweetness like teaspoons of sugar.
In my later years, I was blessed to be lovingly cared for by my son Fredrick and my
granddaughter Marie, whose presence, devotion, and love brought me comfort and peace,
and I remained deeply connected to my sons Albert, Gerald, and William through regular
calls, visits, and expressions of love.
I was also deeply grateful to my daughter-in-law Sharon for her steadfast support,
advocacy, and care on behalf of our family, which brought clarity, comfort, and peace
during difficult moments.
God has blessed me abundantly, and I praised Him faithfully on earth until 7:00 p.m. on
Wednesday, January 21, 2026, when I transitioned to praising Him in His presence. Oh,
what joy to praise my Lord forever!
I leave to cherish my memory my sons: Albert, his wife Theodora Najieb and children
Faheem Najieb, Leigha Covington, Rasheedah Najieb, and granddaughters Simone and
Aria Najieb; Fredrick Nevins and his children Fredrick, Jr. and LaShawn; Gerald Nevins
and his children D’Elizabeth, Marie, and Jason, who preceded me in death and greeted me
upon my arrival in heaven, and grandchild Liberty Hunter-Nevins; Richard, whose love,
care, and devotion sustained me in selfless ways and who also greeted me in heaven, his
wife Sharon; and William, his wife Carolyn, and his children William Nevins II and Shanell
Lanier, and grandchildren De’Meier Nevins, Kentrell Lanier Jr., and Si’Niyah Lanier.
I also leave my youngest big brother John, his wife Valerie, and their children Crystal, who
greeted me in heaven, John David, and Crosby; along with a host of great-grandchildren,
nieces, nephews, my church family, and dear friends.

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