Nellie “Mother” Medina, age 85, was born to the late Jeff Tate and Naomi Vann on January 8,1939 in Selma, Alabama. She transitioned from this life on March 10, 2024. Mother Medina was raised in Selma, Alabama and moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1956. She graduated from Westinghouse High School in 1959. After which time she enrolled in cosmetology school and became a beautician.
Mother was a loving and dedicated homemaker that served God, family, and friends wholeheartedly. Over time she developed a variety of talents and became known for her unique and original crafting abilities and amazing hats. She was a loving wife, mother, sister,
nurturer, caretaker, and mentor that gave great advice.
In 1966, Mother Medina met the love of her life, Rafael Medina Sr., and one year later the two married. Through their union of 57 years, they loved and cared for their three children: Bonita Medina, Rafael Medina Jr., and Gregorio Medina.
Mother Medina enjoyed serving the Lord. As a child, she was baptized at West Trinity Baptist Church in Selma, Alabama. She went on to become a faithful member of Victory Temple, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. At Victory Temple she served under Pastor Jones as an Armor Bearer and Trustee until she moved to Ohio in 2001. A few years later, she found her final church home at Triedstone Missionary Baptist Church where she was chosen to serve as a Mother of the church.
Mother Medina is preceded in death by her father, Jeff Tate; her mother, Naomi Vann; her brother Joseph Vann; her brother, Robert Vann; her sister, Lucy Sheppard; and her sister, Naomi Hunt.
Left to cherish her memory are her loving husband, Rafael Medina Sr.; their three children: Bonita Medina (Ron), Rafael Medina Jr. (Sally Jo), and Gregorio Medina (Nisa); sister-in law, Shirley Vann; 13 grandchildren: Alyssa, Shaquela, Tanisha, Aricka, Atiya, Ashley, Ron, Brandon, Tyreek, Angel, Asia, Alexys, and Rafael III; 17 great grandchildren, along with a host of nieces, nephews, neighbors, and friends who all love her dearly.
Visitation 2:00 PM and Funeral Service 3:00 PM Sunday, March 17, 2024 at Triedstone Missionary Baptist Church, 858 E. 3rd Ave. Interment at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens. Ministry of Comfort entrusted to MARLAN J. GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE NORTH, 2500 Cleveland Ave. To read the complete obituary, order flowers, view video tribute and offer condolences to the Medina Family, visit www.TheChapelofPeace.com
Dearest Family of Mother Nellie, I dearly loved her! After the death of my husband in 2011…She was a comfort and a joy to me! She helped me so much with the healing process of grieving my husband..Then..my mom died in 2022. SHE WAS SO HELPFUL ONCE AGAIN HELPING ME TO HEAL AFTER THE PASSING OF MY MOM! No words could ever express how grateful I was to be able to talk to her during the two saddest times of my life!!!! Your mom had a wonderful sense of humor and a joy to know! May God bless and keep you all at this time…I loved your mom too! Marva Boswell, member of Triedstone
You have my deepest sympathy praying for your strength
To the family of Mrs Nellie Medina
March 11, 2024
I am so very sorry to hear about Nellie passing my condolences goes out to the family with my prayers and thoughts of love for her.
Nellie and Tony I have nothing but very good thoughts of the two of them. We are neighbors my husband and I didn’t know them very well at the time.
My husband was sick the Medina’s was there for us at our home praying for my husband and helping me with what ever was needed. And the same when my brother was buried I am going to miss her so much.
The Medina’s I can’t say enough about these amazing religious wonderful people. My blessings goes to out Tony the whole family with love and hugs!!
Sending love and light to the family during this difficult time.
Praying for your family during this time.
Nothing can prepare you for the loss of a loved one, and there are not enough words of comfort to heal your grieving hearts. Mrs. Medina was kind loving gift from God who I was blessed to have in my life. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you during this time.
Deepest condolences to Medina family. She’s now in Jehovah’s memory and loving care John 5:28, 29.
I am saddened to hear of Mother Medina’s home going. She went home to everlasting life. God bless her forever. She was loved.