Ruth Nelson's Obituary
Ruth Roberta Hargraves Nelson, fondly known as “Teus,” went to heaven on February 20, 2015. With her family present, she departed from Allen Morgan Nursing home. She was born January 1st, 1919 in Forrest City, AR. She is preceded in death by her parents, Solomon and Lucy Sanders Hargraves; three siblings, Judge Olmon Hargraves, Etta Mae Hargraves Rawlings, and Solomon Snow Hargraves; and her husband of 60 years, William Avery Nelson Sr., who died in 2002. She and William had three children, Sharon Nelson Chisholm (Gerald), William A. Nelson Jr. (Karen), and Dr. Steven S. Nelson (Marty). She was also blessed with 6 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, a large extended family, and a host of friends. Ruth graduated from Central High School and Memphis State University. At commencement, during the height of the Depression, her polished shoes were padded with newspaper due to the holes in the soles. William Avery Nelson and Ruth married in 1941 and travelled all over the south while he worked for Retail Credit Company, now Equifax. She assisted him as unpaid typist and secretary, boosting his output tremendously. In 1945, they returned to Memphis to help in a new family business, Shelby Lime and Cement Co. which is now part of Boral Brick Company. An active member of Eudora Baptist Church, Ruth was also a past president of Tennessee Homemakers, a member of the Horseshoe Lake Fishing Club, the Coast Guard Auxiliary, DAR, and the UDC. She also worked with the King’s Daughters Home and made many hats and blankets for St Jude, MIFA, and the Med. While living at Trezevant Manor, Ruth was best known for her paintings, bridge, and crochet. She was very active online using her smartphone to play games and visit with friends on Facebook. She also volunteered in the country store and served on the food committee. Her zest for life and love for Christ encouraged many residents and staff during her 12+ years as a resident. Dearly loved, she will be sorely missed. Visitation will be at Memorial Park Funeral Home on Monday, February 23 from 5 to 8 p.m. and Tuesday from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Her celebration service will be on Tuesday, February 24 at 2:30 p.m. at Memorial Park Funeral Home, 5668 Poplar Avenue in Memphis TN. Internment following the service will be beside her beloved husband William in Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Trezevant Foundation, 177 North Highland, Memphis, TN 38111-9971. Pallbearers are Patrick Neal, Scott Gill, Slate Chisholm, Alec Hearne, Cliff Nelson, and Preston Neal. Honorary pallbearers are Forrest Chisholm, Gabriel Hearne, Gaston Gill, Paul Foskett, Slate Collier, Larry Young, Rick Hazelgrove, and Barry Bowen. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Ave. Memphis, TN 38119, “Behind the Stone Wall.”
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