Beryl Nelson

Beryl F. Nelson, 74, of El Cerrito, California, died in her sleep on September 9, 2022, of complications from cancer. Beryl Francina Ellett was born to Robert and Ida (Johnson) Ellett of Richmond, Virginia, on November 29, 1947. Beryl attended Catholic schools in Richmond, graduating valedictorian from Cathedral Central High School, one of two African American students in her class. Beryl attended Howard University where she met and married Charles Sylvester Nelson

II. Charles joined the US Air Force and they lived in Louisiana, where Beryl welcomed her son, Charles Sylvester Nelson III, Kansas, and Maryland. Beryl earned her bachelor’s degree at Wichita State, and worked for the US Department of Education. Upon the election of Ronald Reagan, Beryl moved to the Bay Area to pursue graduate studies in public policy at the University of California, Berkeley. Her son, Charles, joined a youth soccer team coached by Jake Fuchs and Donal Mahon. Despite Donal’s first words, “You’re late,” Beryl and Donal became life partners for 41 years. While attending the Goldman School of Public Policy (GSPP), Beryl majored in bridge, made lifelong friends, and worked for the California Legislative Analyst. After earning her degree, Beryl remained active with the GSPP as an instructor, consultant, and advisor.

Beryl became the lead consultant for Berman Weiler Associates and later formed a partnership with Pat Mackey Stone to become one the nation’s foremost experts on charter schools. She traveled frequently to Washington, D.C., Alaska, Nebraska, and the Dakotas where she consulted on behalf of Native American tribes and school districts across the nation. Alaska was a favorite destination. Beryl was welcomed by students and educators in remote villages and admired the bush pilots who ferried her to single classroom schools in Yup’ik and Cup’ik where landing on a river was the frequently the only option and flying in stormy weather was an adventure. Beryl completed her career in public education at the Charter School Development Center where she especially enjoyed leading the annual “boot camp” sessions for charter school administrators and trustees. Post retirement, Beryl continued to write, consult, and lead sessions alongside the CSDC team.

Beryl was an avid reader, and especially enjoyed mystery novels. She loved to camp, enjoyed the beaches of the Caribbean, was an enthusiastic volunteer for the Alameda-Contra Costa Youth Soccer League, and a dedicated A’s and Warriors fan. Beryl was outgoing, acquiring many friends, and gained instant trust from people – this inevitably led to perfect strangers sharing their life stories while waiting in checkout lines. Beryl is survived by her devoted son Charles (Nadine) of Hayward, granddaughters Carley and Maliyah and grandson Jordon, and her great grandson Antonio; her loving sister Dr. Robin Ellett and her partner Gayann Hall, their sons and Beryl’s nephews Timothy, Fillemon, and Javon of St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands; partner Donal Mahon of El Cerrito, his daughter Teresa Stearns and her and family of Center Conway, New Hampshire; and so many friends in the Bay Area, California, Virginia, and across the country.

There will be a Memorial Service on December 11, 2022, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm at ILWU Local 6, 99 Hegenberger Road, Oakland CA 94621. Lunch will be included. RSVP to berylnelsonservice@gmail.com. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your local public school or a non-profit organization supporting public schools.