Ruby Nelle Rucker (7-11-11)

Ruby Nelle Martin Rucker was born March 10, 1917 to the late Sydney and Emma Jane Martin in Conyers. Ruby Nelle was saved at an early age and grew up in the church. When her mother died at an early age, Ruby Nelle was there to help take care of her young siblings. As a teenager, she moved to Banks County, to work as a domestic assistant. As fate would have it, this is where she met her husband, and the love of her life, Cornelius Rucker. Just prior to turning 20 years old, the pair was married, and they celebrated 74 years of wedded bliss until Ruby Nelle parted this life on Monday, July 11, 2011. Affectionately known to family, friends, and even strangers as “Big Mama”, Ruby Nelle was a loving and kind spirit who welcomed everyone.

Ruby Nelle worked various domestic jobs and at sewing plants throughout her young life. Together, she and Cornelius, built a family farm in Banks County, where many of their children and grandchildren still reside. After retiring from public jobs, Ruby Nelle truly spent her time being “Big Mama”. She could always be found cooking, sewing, and taking care of her garden or working with her flowers. She was well known for her big biscuits and her famous sweet potato pies.

Ruby Nelle was an active member of Neal’s Grove Baptist Church, where she worked in various auxiliaries and served faithfully as a mother of the church until her death. Her love of God, her family and people will always be remembered. Ruby Nelle had a generosity and hospitality that spills over into her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. There was never a time that “Big Mama” was not giving them something. She loved to give.

Ruby Nelle is preceded in death by two of her children, Cornolius Rucker and Betty Rucker, both of Commerce.

She leaves to cherish her memory a loving husband of 74 years, Cornelius Rucker, Commerce; two sons, Columbus Rucker (Alice) and James Rucker, both of Commerce; and three daughters, Ruby Williams (Billy) and Shirley Reed (Sam), all of Commerce, and Floncie Walker (Bonnie), Hoschton; one sister, Rosalee Williams; and one brother, Tee Martin, both of Atlanta; 19 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, July 14, at Neal’s Grove Baptist Church with Pastor Johnny Smith officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Wednesday night, July 13, from 7 to 8 p.m.

Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce is in charge of arrangements.