Ruth Laverne Howard

Ruth L. Lightsey Howard, was born on October 7, 1939, in Longview, Texas to Elisha Lightsey and Rosella Coats. She grew up in a loving house with her two siblings Nathaniel Hamilton and Mary Lightsey Winn. In her youth she developed a love for fishing. She also enjoyed cooking, playing the piano, and spending time with her sister Mary. Ruth and her sister were inseparable and shared a lifelong bond, growing up as best friends in Texarkana, Texas, where they were lovingly raised by their grandparents William Terry and Lillie Bell Terry. Their strong relationship was a testament to the strong family ties and values instilled in them from a young age.

Ruth attended Sunset Elementary School and Dunbar High School in Texarkana, Texas, graduating in 1958. She attended Prairie View College in Marshall, Texas for two years.

Later Ruth’s journey led her to meet Willie Davis Nelson, whom she married and had two daughters: Janet M. Nelson, and Deborah A. Nelson. Many years after Ruth met and married Cornell Howard, Sr. and to this union Cornell Howard, Jr. was born. Ruth and her family loved traveling many places throughout the United States, and outside of the country. Ruth and her family enjoyed camping, fishing, barbecues, and family gatherings. Golden Corral was Ruth and her sister Mary’s favorite place to eat. She loved shopping, sitting on her porch, socializing with her neighbors, people watching, and drinking an ice-cold Pepsi. She valued spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren who very dear to her. She loved hosting and preparing holiday meals for her family. She was very compassionate and displayed her southern hospitality often. She was the Matriarch of the family, and everyone could always count on her and talk to her about anything.

Ruth was a woman of faith, and she studied the Word of God daily. She was a dedicated and faithful member of Central Baptist Church; Ruth sang in the choir and actively participated in the church.

She retired after 28 years of service at Samsonite as an order secretary, where she met and formed lasting friendships with her devoted friends: Michelle Leali, Brenda Mel, Sandy Betters, Donna Vest, and Sherry Walters. After retirement she rededicated her life to God by traveling to Jerusalem and was baptized along with her husband. Retirement also provided her the opportunity to spend additional time with her family.

Ruth is preceded in death by her husband: Cornell Howard, Sr., daughter: Deborah A. Nelson, grandparents: William Terry and Lillie Bell Terry, parents: Elisha Lightsey and Rosella Coats, aunt: Lillie Bell Medlock, brother: Nathaniel Hamilton, nephews: Shawn Winn and Tracey Winn.

Ruth leaves to cherish her memory her children: Janet Nelson and Cornell Howard, Jr., sister: Mary M. Winn, grandchildren: Shaniq S. Wells, Latoya M. Thompson, Jawaan C. Nelson, Sahvannah L. Nelson, ten great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, a host of many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

A visitation for Ruth will be held Thursday, May 29, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Olinger Highland Mortuary & Cemetery, 10201 Grant St, Thornton, CO 80229. A funeral service will occur Thursday, May 29, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, 10201 Grant St, Thornton, CO 80229. A graveside service will occur Thursday, May 29, 2025 from 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM, 10201 Grant St, Thornton, CO 80229.