Ruth Nelson

RUTH MARIE NELSON was born on April 6, 1967 in New Haven, CT. She was the last of 3 children born to Moses Nelson and Mildred Joann Nelson both of whom are originally from Kingstree, SC. As a young couple in the early 1960’s towards the end of “The Great Migration,” the Nelsons immigrated to Connecticut along with many other African-Americans from the rural south. They quickly found jobs, reunited with family, and began their journey to achieve “The American Dream.” Their first child, Michael, was born in 1964 followed by Yovanda (1965) and Ruth (1967). Ruth attended New Haven Public Schools (NHPS) throughout her school career and graduated from Wilbur Cross High School in 1984. Prior to graduating, Ruth gave birth to her son, James Hunter, Jr., who was the first of 8 children - Leana Nelson, Jennifer Nelson, Louis Nelson, Tracia Nelson, Tyler Nelson, Justin Nelson, and Kayla Green; all of New Haven, CT. Ruth was also a beloved grandmother to 15 grandchildren, most of whom she helped care for and loved unconditionally. She also raised her 2 nieces, LaShonda Thomas and Jaynine Nelson, as well as her only nephew, Moses Nelson. All of the Nelson kids were raised together. After high school, Ruth worked for NHPS’s Head Start Program for several years doing what she loved most. Her passion was caring for and nurturing young children which she had done with both her own kids as well as her older sister’s kids. In 1994, Ruth extended her academic achievement with a certificate in Business Administration from Branford Hall Institute in Branford, CT. Upon graduating, Ruth worked with a temp agency, Office Team, where she worked with various local companies until landing a long term assignment at the Beaver Express (now BeavEx Inc.), a courier service in North Haven, CT. That long term assignment turned into a 10+ year tenure with the company. In 2006, Ruth left BeavEx Inc. after a medical diagnosis of Sarcoidosis, but still continued her motherly duties as a caregiver to grandchildren, her aging mother, and anyone else who needed a place to stay or guidance through life. Ruth enjoyed spending time with family, friends, playing bingo, cheering for her beloved Dallas Cowboys, and cooking. Her favorite pastime was her routine 5 AM cup of coffee with her mother up until September 2020 when she passed. Ruth struggled with medical issues for the next 2 years. With her diagnosis weighing down on her, on March 12, 2023, Ruth Marie Nelson concluded her work here on earth and was reunited in heaven with her grandchild, Deandre Nelson, her mother, grandparents, Lilian and Leland Patrick, her very dear friend, Monica Hayward, and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Ruth’s father, siblings, children, grandchildren, nieces, nephew, other family, and friends are all left to cherish her memory

Ruth Nelson

April 6, 1967 - March 12, 2023