Mrs. Martha Nelson-Pugh

Ms. Martha Alice Nelson- Pugh, daughter of the late Willie and Sophia
Nelson was born October 19, 1928 in Pace, Mississippi. She spent her early years
in Pace and in 1946 moved along with her family to Chicago. While on the road to
Chicago she met a young man who would become her husband, Willie James
Pugh. She was united in holy matrimony to Willie James Pugh Sr. This union was
blessed with seven children; Loretta, Betty, Coy, Melvin, Arthur, Willie Jr and Carl.
She also had a special friend Augusta “Mickey” Robinson and was blessed with
Tonyja. Willie Sr. and Augusta both preceded her in death. After raising her
children and helping to raise her grandchildren Martha decided that she had a
little more mothering to share and added Jermaine, Coy(Angel), Patrick and
Kareema to our family.
At an early age Martha professed her faith in Jesus Christ, and had
significant part in introducing her family to Christ. Martha served faithfully as
Mother of the Church. In her younger years Martha was an active member of her
community and was affectionately called Momma by so many. “The Candy Lady”
was her name to the children in the neighborhood, “Big Red” was how she was
lovingly known by friends. Martha could always bring everyone together whether
it was for a family meal or a game of Keno. She quietly departed this life Monday,
February 17, 2020 at home surrounded by love. She was preceded in death by her
daughter, Betty Jean, sons: Melvin and Arthur, sisters: Mary Alice, Ruby Lee, and
Catherine; brothers: Charlie and Ely and grandson Raymond.
Her beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of her children:
Loretta (Elmer) Taylor, Coy (Jackie) Pugh, Willie Jr. (Corliss) Pugh, Carl Pugh,
Tonyja Thomas, Jermaine Pugh, Patrick Pugh, Kareema Pugh and Coy (Angel)
Pugh. She will never be far from the hearts of her Grand-children: Richard Pugh,
Elmer Jr.(Qeena)Taylor, LaShawn Burrell, Shulanda(Me’Jan) Sullivan, Chiquita
Harris, Sohn Green, Nicole Pugh, Montisha Thomas, Courtney Pugh, Carl Miller,
Kenneth Thomas, Jared Pugh, Keyarra Thomas, Anthony Thomas, Justice Pugh,
Ahmariyah Pugh and Alinani Pugh; and 39 great-grandchildren, and twelve great-
great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews and other family members
and friends who loves her dearly.

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