Service Details
Family and friends are invited to meet in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory on FRIDAY, May 15, 2026, for a visitation from 10:00 am – 11:00 am.
A service celebrating his life and Homegoing will take place at 11:00 am with his brother, Pastor Anthony Shell, officiating. His interment will follow in Graceland Cemetery.

REMEMBERING THE LIFE, LAGACY, & LOVE of NELVNES SHELL
AKA MY BAE, PAPA NELL, CHO CHO, CHAMP, BRA, AND NELLY CHO CHO
NELVNES SHELL went home to be with the lord on Sunday, April 26th, 2026. Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. The beloved son of RUTH LEE NESBY AND JIMMY LEE BLACKNARD to whom he will be reunited with in heaven.
NELVNES SHELL was blessed with a large family four brothers EDDIE DEAN NESBY, ROME (CYNTHIA) SHELL, MICHAEL (YAMILLE) NESBY and CHRISTPHER NESBY to who he will be reunited with in heaven, Three sisters SEMEKEQUICE (SYID) ABDULLAH, TANISHA NESBY, and EMMA NESBY.
NELVNES SHELL met the love of his life JUANITA MILLER SHELL in 2001 and on June 7th, 2009, they married and together they built a life filled with love, laughter and family. A mother in law, TERRY ANN MILLER and father-in-law WILLIE C, BELL. Two brother in laws LEVI FINCH AND CHRISTOPHER (ASHLEY) MILLER and two sisters in law DANA (JEVON) SEBREE and KIM MILLER to whom he will be reunited with in heaven. Three daughters DOMONIQUE MILLER, NAKEYTA MILLER, and SHAKEELEAH MILLER to whom he will be reunited with in heaven and one son DARRIEN LEVON MILLER. He also leaves to cherish his memories three granddaughters DESTINEY FINLEY, DYNISTE FINLEY, and ERIN JOHNSON and three grandsons DE’JAVONTAYE FINLEY, ARMANI MILLER and DE’MONSHEA DAVIDSON JR all of whom brought him immense joy. Also, daughters NELLISHA and NYASIA
NELVNES SHELL is also remember by a host of nieces- TAKAIERA, ERAQUISA, EMONE, DARRIAYNNA, JAMHYA, TANIYA, RAVEN, JAY, VICTORY and MIKEYIAH CHOPPY and nephews- SYID JR, DAMARE, LEVI JR, JAVARIAN, DARIAN, ANTHONY JR, MICHAEL JR, JAVARIS, JIMMY and a host of others including great nieces and great nephews, uncles, aunts and cousins.
NELVNES SHELL attended grammar school in Chicago, IL before moving to Racine, WI in 1989 where he attended high school. Throughout his life he worked many jobs, but the ones that inspired him the most were being a professional boxer, physical trainer and a contracted cleaner.
NELVNES SHELL was affiliated with WINDY CITY BOXING GYM in Chicago, IL. UCC UNITED COMMUNITY CENTER in Milwaukee, WI, DBB BOXING GYM Waukegan, Il and WAREHOUSE BOXING GYM in Highland Park, Il. He also was awarded GOLDEN GLOVES.
NELVNES SHELL had an unspeakable love for God and his family, He was always known for encouraging others to work out, often training family members, friends, strangers, and neighborhood kids, teaching them how to box and build confidence.
NELVNES SHELL had a special way of touching everyone he met, whether through laughter, a tough workout, a heartfelt conversation, a joke, spiritual guidance, or even a playful or intended “knock out”. He was truly the life of the party and gym, known for his dancing, humor, and ability to light up any room he entered. His presence, energy, and love will be deeply missed and never forgotten.
AS IT IS WRITTEN IN MATTHEW 18:20 “FOR WHERE TWO OR THREE MORE ARE GATHERED IN MY NAME, THERE I AM IN THE MIDST OF THEM.” MAY WE FIND COMFORT IN KNOWING THAT AS WE GATHER IN LOVE AND REMEMBERANCE, GOD IS WITH US.
Family and friends are invited to meet in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory on FRIDAY, May 15, 2026, for a visitation from 10:00 am – 11:00 am. A service celebrating his life and Homegoing will take place at 11:00 am with his brother, Pastor Anthony Shell, officiating. His interment will follow in Graceland Cemetery.




Debra Turner says
My sincere condolences to the family. Nel is going to be missed. So sorry for your loss. 🙏🏿🙏🏿❤️❤️🙏🏿🙏🏿
Rasheik Simmons Florida says
Sorry to hear this. My condolences goes out to the family. RIP brother
The Lue & Gamble Family says
Forever in our hearts
Sabrina Hiler says
I remember him yes he and all his sisters and brothers you will be missed Sabrina Hiler
M.B. says
Cho Cho Rest easy playa you will be missed 12th til I see you so many wild stories we share love you my brother!!!!
Dorothy Brown says
Condolences.
Calvin Plunkett says
REAL BROTHER.
SHALL DEFINITELY BE MISSED.
Keath and Carolyn Marshall says
May God continue to bless you and the family as you go through this very difficult time. May his cherished memories brighten your days.
Reginald (Monie) McClain says
I met Nelvis 35 years ago, he was always a good dude. Loved fast cars and having fun. He’ll definitely be missed. Fly high
Sheila Grandy says
My deepest condolences to the family, may God comfort you all during this time,😔🙏
Denise Freeman says
To the Nesby/Shell Family,
I’ve known this family for a very long time. Your family is a family I will never forget. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Nelvnes will be missed. May God bless all of you during this difficult time and always.
Glenda Jackson//Smith says
Rest on Chàmp