Bishop Otis Nickson

Bishop Otis “Joe” Nickson, 83, of Chicago, Illinois, completed his earthly assignment and entered eternal rest in the presence of the Lord. Born on August 25, 1941, in Yazoo City, Mississippi, to the late(Mothers Name). Otis was a man of faith, humility and exceptional craftsmanship whose hands and heart served many.

From a young age, Otis showed a git for building and fixing. His love for carpentry blossomed into a lifelong passion. He worked diligently at Lincoln Tool before continuing his career at Hendrick Springs, where he returned. But Otis didn’t stop there. He simultaneously founded, ran and operated Way Incorporated Gospel Ministries, a labor of love and faith that spanned over four decades.

Otis accepted Christ into his life at the age of 29 while attending House of Prayer Church of God in Christ in Chicago. His spiritual journey was marked by devotion, purpose and a heart for ministry. He alter served faithfully at Hope Deliverance Full Gospel COGIC before founding Way Incorporated Ministries, where he pastored faithfully for over 40 years until his retirement in 2025. On November 14, 2008, Otis was elevated to the office of Bishop within SEED, a title he carried with humility and reverence.

Under his leadership, Way In. Ministries became a true sanctuary, a place of healing, teaching and a restoration. Bishop Nickson had a gift for meeting people right where they were, offering wisdom, prayer and a path to Christ. He was known for his realness, his kindness and his boldness in sharing the Word of God. Whether in the pulpit or at the gas station, he never missed an opportunity to lead someone to salvation.

Otis was a man of many talents, a proud contractor, Sheree operator, safety inspector and jack of all trades. If it was broken, he could fix it. If it didn’t exist, he could build it. His work spoke of diligence and his life reflected faith in action.

He had a deep love for gospel jazz, classic cars and quoting scripture. And if you ever heard a sudden, passionate “HAYAH” you knew the Holy Spirit had quickened him. That word meaning, :life,” became a powerful echo of the way he lived: fully, faithfully and without fear.

Bishop Otis Nickson leaves behind his loving wife of 61 years, Christine Nickson, and his three devoted children: Michael(Nichole), Faye(Maurice) and Christina(Kevin). His legacy continues through his nine grandchildren: Michael, Michelle, Kiesha, Alexis, Ashley, Mitchell Camaryn and Conrad; and 10 great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by his sister, Velma(Marchell), and a host of nieces, nephews, spiritual sons and daughters and lifelong friends who loved him dearly.

His Legacy

Otis’s life was a living testimony. He will be remembered for his unwavering honesty, his deep knowledge of scripture and his loving and welcoming spirit. One of his greatest joys was leading others to Christ, whether from a pulpit or on a street corner.

“I must work the works of Him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.”- John 9:4

A Shepherd’s Heart

Throughout his ministry, Bishop Otis Nickson served with compassion that knew no boundaries. He traveled to countless churches, answering the call to preach, teach and uplift wherever the Lord led him. Whether in small congregations or packed sanctuaries, Bishop delivered the Word with power, humility and heart tuned to the Spirit. His reach extended beyond the pulpit, he regularly fed the homeless, comforted the brokenhearted and provided support to families in need. He believed in being the hands and feet of Christ, not just in word, but in deed.

Bishop Otis was a shepherd in every sense of the word. He counseled the weary, mentored the called and stood by many through life’s most sacred and sorrowful moments. Guided by the Spirit and the will of God, he officiated countless weddings, joining couples in holy mantra only and honored many lives through heartfelt eulogies. Rain or shine, trial or triumph, Bishop was never too busy to stop and pray. If you needed encouragement, direction or someone to stand in the gap, Bishop Otis Nickson was there, speaking life, declaring truth and reminding others that God is always near.

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