Kelly Nelon Clark Shaken, But Okay, After Robbery

Gospel Music veteran Kelly Nelon Clark is understandably shaken, but thankful to be alive after being robbed in the parking lot of a Jacksonville, Florida K-Mart Tuesday evening. An African-American male wearing a dark, hooded jacket approached Kelly as she left the store and demanded money. Kelly complied, and the man fled with nearly $750 and her husband Jason’s debit card.

“I hadn’t taken my purse. I’d just grabbed Jason’s wallet and I didn’t realize it still had a lot of the cash from last weekend’s CD sales in it,” she says. Within the next half hour, the thief also debited close to $500 from the Clarks’ checking account.

“You never realize how precious life is until something like this happens. I was terrified that this was it for me and I would never see my family again. But once again the Lord completely surrounded me and God provided a way of escape,” Kelly adds. “Thank you for all of your prayers and concerns. You are truly the greatest people in the world– God’s people!”

Jason echoes Kelly’s sentiments. “I just praise the Lord for His protection over Kelly. The money is one thing but thank God she’s home safe with the girls and me. These are desperate times, and I think this should be a wake up call for us all.”

Long based in Atlanta, the Nelons recently returned to touring full-time and relocated to Jacksonville, where they are “Artists In Residence” at Trinity Baptist Church and College. Kelly and the Nelons will resume their normal schedule this Sunday at Elizabeth Baptist Church in Marietta, Georgia.

The Nelons’ Vine Records debut, Beside Still Waters, will be released next month. It features the current hit single “He Found Me,” as well the Nelons’ interpretation of the Andre Crouch classic “My Tribute” and a remake of the Carroll McGruder favorite “I’m Going Home With Jesus.” In addition to the stellar soprano vocals of Amber Nelon Thompson, the project also includes the recording debut of Jason and Kelly’s youngest daughter Autumn. February will also find the Nelons embarking on a four-week tour of the West Coast and visiting with disc jockeys all across the country as they promote the new record.

The Nelons record for Vine Records and are booked by The Dominion Agency (910-484-6996). For more, visit their website at www.thenelons.com. To request an interview or a review copy, contact Stephen Hubbard (615-480-0381).