Frances Nelson

Although unschooled in social work, Frances Nelson became so well known for her work with homeless black children in need that the Optimist Club built a children's home for her to use in Carver Park. She lived at the home in Carver Park as supervisor of the children from the time it opened until her retirement. Later the building, at 1306 Carver Drive, Champaign, was renovated and occupied by the Frances Nelson Health Center. (Through the Years: African-American History in Champaign County, Fall 2002/Winter 2003)

Frances Nelson, widowed at a young age, was born in Batesville, Arkansas. She moved to Champaign County in 1922 and lived there until she passed away on April 13th, 1961 at 11:15 PM at Burnham City Hospital following 3 weeks of illness. One of Nelson's children's death preceded hers. Her son William Nelson passed away at 17 month of pneumonia in 1922. She was survived by three foster children, Gregory Morris, Mrs. Jeanette Carter, and Mrs. Joyce Smith. Nelson was an active member of member of the Overcoming Church of God in Christ. (Mrs. Nelson's Funeral to be Monday. 13 April 1961. News-Gazette Newspaper Articles. The Champaign County Historical Archives, Urbana, IL.)

In the 1940s, Nelson's work with homeless black children in Champaign county lead to the creation of the Frances Nelson Health Center. This health center was a monument in the community, serving thousands of African American patients in the community for over 50 years. She was the director of the center's inception until 1958 when her position was replaced by Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Hill.  (Mrs. Nelson is Honored. 12 December 1957. Courier Newspaper Articles. The Champaign County Historical Archives, Urbana, IL.)