Mingo Nesmith

Mingo was born in Nesmith South Carolina on October 25, 1925 to the late Annie and Reggie Nesmith (Sr). He departed this Life on Saturday, April 29, 2023. He attended the public school system in Williamsburg County in South Carolina. Mingo was drafted in 1944 into the U.S. Navy and served in World War II where he was honorably discharged in 1946. During his tour of duty, he received the following recognition; American Area Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Medal (3 Stars), Philippine Liberation Ribbon (2 Stars) and Victory Medal.

After returning home from the war, Mingo worked on the family farm for several years. He moved to Massachusetts in 1948 with his first wife, the late Jean Nesmith where they had two daughters, Linda and Shelene.  Mingo held two jobs when he initially came to Boston, one was a cook at Chickland Restaurant in Saugus and the other as a licensed barber. He remarried in 1961 to the late Magdalene Nesmith and they had one son, Mingo Anthony Nesmith.

Mingo eventually changed jobs and worked as a truck driver for Mattapan Supply where he retired after 25 years of service. He was a dedicated, dependable and conscientious worker. Like a lot of southerners, Mingo loved to sit on the front porch and talk to people as they passed by. When he lived in Roxbury, he was well known in the neighborhood as he enjoyed walking on a daily basis. Mingo briefly moved to Franklin Massachusetts for a couple of years and subsequently Standish Village in Dorchester Massachusetts. He encountered a host of new friends from residents to staff members. He was fondly referred to as “Mayor of Standish Village”. While at Standish Village, he received a 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award for his military service and recognized by the US Navy honor guard.          

Mingo is preceded in death by long time companion Martha Wornum and siblings Maude Pressley, Ethelene McKnight, Alston Nesmith, Eliza Scott, Silas Nesmith all of South Carolina,  Reggie Nesmith Jr. (New York), Paul Nesmith and Anne Hammonds (Boston).

Mingo leaves behind his children, Linda (Vernon)Devoe, Shelene Nesmith and Mingo Anthony (Lisa)Nesmith; grandchildren; Tanisha, Delilah, Jeffrey, Kila, Jordon and Brianna; Six great grandchildren; siblings; Otta Lee Prioleau (South Carolina) and Webster Nesmith (Boston).

Mingo realized that life is never measured by how many years we live, but kindly things we do and the happiness we give.

To leave condolences for the family visit http://www.georgelopesfuneralhome.com

Arrangements entrusted to George Lopes Funeral Home, Mattapan.

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