Ruby Lee Nelson

Ruby L. Nelson was born on July 18, 1932, in Baltimore, MD to her late mother Ethel (Sis) Allen and her stepfather, George Allen. Ruby was the only child. She attended Baltimore City Public Schools and New York City Public Schools. She worked in New York before returning back home to Baltimore. She decided to earn a living as a jewelry maker. Soon after, she married the late William Travis. Their 40-year union birthed six blessed children, five daughter and one son. She wanted us to understand the importance of family. She would always tell us make sure you take care of yourself. During Mom's lifetime, she enjoyed work, as a caregiver of which she believed was her calling. Mom experienced many joys in life; her favorite past time was shopping at the thrift shop. Mom was a thrifty soul and was always able to keep herself jazzy and beautiful. She took pleasure in the simple things of life. She enjoyed cooking, planting flowers, laughing, cookouts, music, her grandchildren and spending time at church. As her love for the Lord grew increasingly in her heart, in April 2013, she was baptized at Morning Star Baptist Church. She volunteered as a Senior Health Aide in 1994. The Lord blessed mom to be very strong in spirit and independent throughout her life. She took care of herself for a mighty long time - always on the move with God right by her side! Mom was very outgoing, always on the go. She loved meeting people, she would have a conversation with anyone. A dear friend of the family named Thurmond would keep "Mom" laughing all the time. Mom was healthy. She passed away due to unexpected complications from the surgery. Her granddaughter Shameia was there when she took her final breath. On October 6, 2016, she was called home to God. She now joins her mother, great-niece, her stepfather and friends. She is survived by several family members to cherish her memories: six children, Sharon Travis, Cheryl Travis, Wanda Travis, Steven Travis and Sharolynn Travis-Harlee; nine grandchildren, Darrell Funderburk, Schnelle Smith, Shari Cochrane, Craig Travis, Evonne Reed, Shameia Morrison, Anthony Smith and Jasmine Travis; eleven great-grandchildren; Aaron Funderburk, her angel in heaven, Daja Bailey, Eniyah Bailey, Maliyah Bailey, Makai Downs, Brendan Cochrane, Shanen Cochrane, Malik Funderburk, Sky Funderburk and Kareem Reed, Jr.; son-in-law, John Harlee and grandsons-in-law, Elonn Cochrane and Kareem Reed, Sr.

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Ruby Lee Nelson

July 18, 1932 - October 6, 2016