Life Reflection
Janelle Sharlene Nelson was a cherished daughter, sister, niece, granddaughter, friend, and presence in the Lakewood community. Born July 4th, 2001 a beautiful gift was delivered to parents Lakesha Dionne Pleze and Jason Robert Nelson. Her initials “JSN” honored her father’s first name. Janelle accepted Christ at a young age and was baptized by Pastor Gregory Sanders of The Rock Christian Fellowship. Lakesha and Jason poured love into Janelle and nurtured her as a gift from God to our family. She had a radiant smile that was loved by all.
Janelle was in awe of the beauty of this earth and of the creation of God all around us. Janelle was passionate about life and a champion for ensuring an equitable future for those around her. Janelle was awarded a Presidential Scholarship and graduated with honors with a BSN in Criminal Justice from California State University, Dominguez Hills in 2023, and was a sister of Sigma Gamma Rho sorority. Janelle was one of two students chosen from the State Universities of California to travel to The White House and meet with Vice President Kamala Harris to discuss the fight to protect reproductive rights. Known for being caring and compassionate, Janelle volunteered at the Bonita Street Elementary Boys & Girls Club. In the fall of 2023 Janelle embarked upon her journey to pursue her Master’s degree in social work at the University of California, Los Angeles and worked as an intern at SHIELDS for families.
Janelle is lovingly survived by her mother Lakesha Pleze, father Jason Nelson (Kammie), sisters Jayla, Tarynn, and Tatum, brother Jason Jr., grandmother Sandra (Steve Wilfong), grandmother Diane Cannon, and grandfather Henry Pleze Jr.
Aunts: Dr. Jacqueline Benson, Psy.D. (Grant Benson), Geraldine Gonzales (Frank Gonzales), Wanda Cannon (David), Tanesha Pleze, Margo Pleze, Ashley Johnson, Bianca Santiago, and Tomeka Smith
Uncles: Eric Pleze, Rodney Pleze (Coquiese Pleze), Matt Santiago,and Henry Santiago
Cousins: Raekiana, JaeLashan, D’Marion, Nasir, Karmen, and a host of other dear family members
Janelle also leaves behind her beloved friends Angel, Ivan, Sage, Madison, Malik, and many more friends and classmates dear to her.
Her beautiful spirit and undeniable loving kindness will always remain within all those who had the privilege to know and love her.