Mary Ruth Nelson, affectionately known as “Punkin,” began her earthly journey on December 1, 1947 in Scotch Plains, New Jersey. She was the beloved daughter of the late Isaac and Willa Mae Nelson. As Punkin completed her assignment on this earth, she transitioned with dignity to her new beginning and desired ending to be with the Lord on Monday, November 5, 2018. Punkin was educated in the Scotch Plains-Fanwood School System where she developed a love for reading and solving… Read More » word puzzles which eventually became the foundation for her love of playing Scrabble. A few years after graduating high school in 1966 she later began her career with Lockheed Electronics where she remained for several decades before the company relocated out of state. Punkin always had a deep love and affection for children and used the company’s relocation to begin a successful home daycare where she provided love, care and instruction for hundreds of children. When family and friends needed the perfect daycare mother, they immediately called Punkin and she opened her home and her heart and gave the nurturing and school readiness skills that allowed her daycare children to begin school at or above grade level. Punkin used her gift of song and love of learning to teach the children rhymes, colors, shapes and counting to make sure they were ready for school. At an early age, Punkin gave her life to Christ as a member of the St. John’s Baptist Church in Scotch Plains, NJ. She sang to the glory of God on Sundays, during revivals, Women’s Day and especially during the Old Ship of Zion Celebration. Ultimately, her faith led her to become a faithful, proud and spirit-filled member of The Rose of Sharon Community Baptist Church under the leadership of the Rev. Laverne C. Lattimore Ball. She served as member of the Deaconess Board, Mass and Women’s Choir and made it a point to serve and worship God not only on Sunday but anytime she could “make a joyful noise unto the Lord.” She loved to sing, listen to and worship God through hymns and Gospel Music whether traditional or contemporary. Punkin also loved secular music especially Earth, Wind and Fire’s “Reasons” or anything by Diana Ross and The Supremes. Punkin loved the simple things in life: playing a great game of Scrabble or Words with Friends (online), watching Jeopardy and spending time laughing and talking with her dear friends and family members. Prior to her illness, she enjoyed cruising, flights to vacation with friends, bus trips to attend plays or musical performances and holiday celebrations in Maryland. Much of what Punkin enjoyed centered around how she could help, support and nurture her family. Through words or actions, she often had a word of advice, a suggestion or some method of reminding you that “things will be alright if you just trust in God.” Mary R. Nelson “Punkin” was a wonderful mother, grandmother, aunt, friend, church member and lover of children. Punkin’s house was always a place where family and friends found comfort and refuge needed to navigate the challenges of life. Punkin will be sorely missed by all those that had the awesome pleasure of knowing her. Preceding Mary in death are her parents, Isaac and Willie Mae Nelson; her only brother Melvin Reeder and her sister Frances Prince. She is survived by her sister, Jacqueline Epps of Plainfield, NJ. Her legacy will live forever through the lives of her devoted daughter, Santanya Nelson-Gilbert (Orlend); her beloved sons, Marcus A. Nelson and Rufus Lamont Fowler Nelson; her granddaughters Satara Daneen Nelson and Syan Nicole Nelson Hannibal and her great-granddaughter Jaylah Danielle Nelson and two grandchildren Aleia and Perry Gilbert. Her wonderful nephews Isaac Steven “Boo” Nelson and Joseph “Cubie” Epps. An adoring niece, Stephanie Nelson Dennis and her great nephews Haki Tumani Dennis and Hezekiah Tumani Dennis. Two wonderful nephews Michael and Isaac Prince, a loving cousin Shalise Pickett and her sons Terrell &Tyreese and many cherished family members and a host of caring friends and loved ones. Living a life with purpose is not a being perfect. It’s about fulfilling God’s purpose for your life to the highest level possible. You’ve done this Punkin, and you fought a good fight and we will see you again on the other side. The family of the late Mary R. Nelson wishes to thank each and every person for their kind words, cards, phone calls, text messages, visits, prayers, food and monetary donations. Santanya, Marcus, Boo, Rufus and Stephanie could not have made it through this season without you. Thank you so very much and continue to lift this family in prayer during this season of bereavement. God’s riches blessing upon each of you.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Mary R Nelson 2018.
Death notice for the town of: Plainfield, state: New Jersey