Nellie Ruth Coleman

Newburgh, NY

Mother Nellie Ruth Coleman, a special and gentle flower was the daughter of the late Favor Powell and Ina Pickett born in Orrum, NC on August 31, 1921. On Wednesday July 9, 2008 at the Calvary Presbyterian Hospital located in the Bronx, NY, she was transplanted from this earthly garden to bloom in the Master's bouquet.

"Nel" attended the Rosenwald School in Fairmont, NC after which she moved to Newburgh, NY. She was employed and retired from the Bearse Manufacturing Company. In 2001, her husband of forty eight years, Evangelist Arthur L. Coleman went home to be with the Lord. Never one to just sit around, she became a Foster Grandparent and continued as such for over twenty years. Most importantly, Mother Coleman joined the Ebenezer Baptist Church and remained faithful for more than sixty years. Not only was she faithful, but also active. She served as a member of Missionary Society, The Golden Years Ministry, The Working Churches of Westchester and Vicinity. In addition, she sang with the Senior Choir and The Mass Choir. A faithful Sunday School attendee, she remained steadfast until her health failed.

She leaves in the hands of the Lord her caring and devoted son, Andrew B. Powell, Sr. and his wife, Brenda Lois Powell; three sisters, Nora Stephens of Fairmont, NC, Ellen Smith of Chicago, IL, and Margret Louise McRae of Whiteville, NC, and a brother, Governor Powell and wife, Reverend Minnie B. Powell of Newburgh; Additionally several sister-in-laws, namely Annie Powell of Charlotte, NC, Nellie Powell of Newburgh, Inez Stevens, and Lillie Mae Taylor, and brother-in-law, Eddie L. Coleman all of Florida; her love will be cherished by grandsons, Andrew B. Powell, Jr. (Jacqueline) of Lumberton, NC and Bronico Powell (Shawnelle) of Randallstown, MD; her legacy is extended to 12 grandchildren, Andrew, III (Ela), Andaya, Andris, Adrian, Albrian, Anshawn, Essence, Amani, Brielle, Shyra, Makia and Claude; Four great-grandchildren: Alaysia, Alanna, Amarion and Jaylen; godchildren, Deberah Toussaint and Ishmael Alfred; also sharing her transition are numerous other family members, and countless friends and a host of foster grandchildren. She was predeceased by four brothers, twins, Keffer P. Powell and Favor Powell, Jr., Clifton Powell and Sherwood Powell, sister, Alberta Reeves, and great-great-granddaughter, Alyvia Powell.

Visitation will be Tuesday, July 15, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at Ebenezer Baptist Church, 76 First St., Newburgh, NY 12550. Service will begin at 12 noon. Rev. Leonard Oates, Officiating. Interment will be at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Middlehope, NY.

Rhodes Funeral Homes, 259 Walsh Ave., New Windsor, NY 12553 entrusted with professional arrangements. Please visit our website at www.rhodesfuneralhomes.com or give us a call at (845) 569-1233.