Tragedy struck the gospel music community on July 28, 2024, when a plane crash near Recluse, Wyoming claimed the lives of three cherished members of The Nelons. Kelly Nelons Clark, her husband Jason Clark, and their daughter Amber Nelon Kistler were en route to an eagerly awaited performance at the Gaither Homecoming Cruise to Alaska. Alongside them, Amber’s husband Nathan Kistler and three other individuals also lost their lives in the crash.
The Nelons, a family deeply rooted in gospel music, have left a legacy of heartfelt worship and community spirit that reached fans across the globe. This article will explore not just the impact of this profound loss but also celebrate the life of Kelly, touching on her personal achievements, her first marriage, and her significant contributions to the family’s net worth.
She Shared Two Daughters with her First Husband
Kelly’s marriage to Jerry Lynn Thompson wasn’t just a partnership in life but also in music. Together, they hit life’s high notes and some low ones too. They were married way back in 1979 and stuck it out until 1998. From their long run together, they had two daughters, Amber and Autumn, who pretty much grew up with music in their DNA.
Amber and Autumn didn’t just inherit their mom’s talent; they embraced it, joining the family band and keeping the musical legacy alive. Think about it like passing down a cherished family recipe, only this recipe was for soul-stirring gospel music that could lift spirits and fill rooms. Sadly, Kelly’s first partner, Jerry passed away in 2020.
After Kelly and Jerry went their separate ways in ’98, it wasn’t just her personal life that saw a remix, but the band did too. Enter her second spouse, Jason Clark, who stepped in not just as Kelly’s new partner in life but also took the mic as the lead singer of The Nelons. Talk about a power move! Jason brought his own flair to the group, and together with Kelly, they kept the family vibe strong and the tunes flowing.
Jason was more than just a band member; he was part of the family glue that held the Nelons together through thick and thin. His presence was like a fresh set of strings on an old guitar, bringing new life and harmony to their music. Tragically, he was also on that fateful flight with Kelly and Amber, making his loss resonate deeply with everyone who knew him, both on and off the stage.
Her Earnings are a Far Cry from her Illustrious Career
When we dive into the finances of someone who spent their life belting out gospel hits, it’s a bit like flipping through an old record collection—there’s a lot more value there than meets the eye. Kelly, with her decades-long stint with The Nelons, wasn’t just singing in the choir loft; she was making some decent coin too.
Think about it: over 35 albums and enough Top 5 hits to make any jukebox jealous. Each record sold and ticket punched at their concerts added up. Plus, let’s not forget the merch. You know someone’s grandma is still rocking a Nelons tee from ’82. And with those Grammy nods and Dove Awards? Yeah, that’s the kind of stuff that not only fills up the pews but maybe bulks up the bank account too.
So, putting a number on it, Kelly’s net worth was likely around the tune of $700,000.
