Mother Nellie V. Medina

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