Mr. Johnny Odell Nevels

Johnny O’Dell Nevels was born in Phoenix, Arizona to the union of Richard and Corine Nevels on December 1, 1936. At the tender age of six months, they moved to Los Angeles, CA, where eight other siblings were born, with four, along with his father and mother preceding him in death.

Johnny graduated from Manual Arts High School, matriculating to Cal State L.A., where he received his Associate of Arts Degree in Police Science. He later joined the United States Air Force, serving in France as an Air Policeman. Upon completion of his tour of duty on July 14, 1963, he received an Honorable Discharge.

On June 10, 1965, he married the love of his life, Lillian. Johnny was the proud father of one son, Johnny Dell, and two daughters who he adored, Stephanie and Cassandra. Not only was he a husband and father, he was a family man!

To know Johnny was to love him. He never met a stranger! He greeted everyone with his signature smile and his upbeat personality was infectious. It was hard to be down around him because he always had kind words of support and encouragement, as well as a quick-witted joke or teasing name to lighten any mood. He often called his sisters “Bear” and took great delight in poking fun at his friends. Even his adored wife, Lillian, found herself on the receiving end of his jokes, but she could give it just as good as he could. They always ended their exchange with him saying, “But you still love me!” This always bugged her, but all she could do was smile because he was so right! You couldn’t find a better man. He was a loving husband, devoted father and grandfather, doting son, supportive brother and uncle and an exemplary friend.

He took great pleasure in helping others. Many people called him “Thomas”, which was short for “Thomas Guide”. Johnny was the original GPS for many of his family and friends. He knew the city like the back of his hand and saved many confused commuters. During his career he served as a mentor and role model for many troubled youth. He would take them under his wings and show them the way to being their best. They often showed up on his doorstep many years later to share their success stories and thank him for his support. This gave him such pride and touched him deeply.

He spoke his truth with ease so you always knew where you stood with “Nevels”, another nickname he was respectfully given. If you were in his good graces you were golden, but if you got on his bad side you’d better watch out! He would let you know how he felt, but he always managed to remain a gentleman while doing so.

He gave his love freely to those he cared about. He was a great communicator and listener. His children took great comfort in his “open door and open arm” policy. They could share anything with him knowing he wasn’t one to judge and always seemed to say just the right thing to put their minds at ease. Johnny was a big strong man, but he was comfortable with his soft-side. There was great beauty in his ability to be vulnerable with those close to him. He would always say, “Live your life to the fullest because you never know which day will be your last” and he did just that. He taught everyone around him the power of love, laughter and kindness.

Johnny leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of almost 48 years, Lillian; son, Johnny Dell (Diane) of Palmdale, CA; daughters, Stephanie Yancher (Jaime) of Seattle, WA and Cassandra of Los Angeles, CA; two grandchildren, Tjaden and Ava; four sisters who all reside in Los Angeles County, Gloria A. Lowe, Barbara Wilson, Evelyn Smith (Charles), and Venera Wright (Charles); one sister-in-laws, Maxine Duff (Leon) of Los Angeles, and Veronica Everett (Jeff) of Palmdale, CA, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.