Nellie Mae Wright

Nellie Mae Wright was born to Thelma Lee Johnson Ruffins and Walter James Ruffins on August 12, 1935 in Bristow, Oklahoma. In order to escape the ravages of the Dust Bowl and the Depression, Walter and Thelma moved their young family, which was composed of Nellie and her younger sister Glenetta, to California in the early 1940’s. The family worked hard to subsist, picking fruit in the fields of Delano and other areas of California’s Central Valley.

Eventually, the family moved to San Diego, to the area known as Frontier. Nellie attended school there and as a teen, met and fell in love with Albert “Tampico” Wright, a young man from Tampico Alto, Veracruz, Mexico. They married and raised a family of seven children. As a family, they attended Calvary Baptist Church. Nellie grew in her love of the Lord and accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior there.

After the marriage ended after 18 years, in the 1970’s Nellie met James Nelson, popularly known as Nelson, or “Papa Nelson” to the children and grandchildren. As her mate, Nelson has offered Nellie true love these past 40-plus years, during which time they have been inseparable.

Nellie was an avid believer in education and took numerous classes, trainings and jobs to help support her family, all while raising seven children. She had a number of careers, as a Nurse’s Aide, Electronic Assembler and Library Aide at the UCSD library. Nellie was excited about computers when they were first introduced to the public. An early adopter, she purchased numerous computers, printers and other electronic devices in an effort to learn more about them and to encourage her children and grandchildren to get to know the field that she believed would become very important in the future. Of course, she was right on target!

Nellie followed the Civil Rights movement, contemporary news and politics. She was very aware politically. She could have made an excellent Councilwoman, Senator or human rights advocate!

Nellie provided love and support for her family in every way possible. We have been so blessed to have such a Shining Light in our lives! She leaves to mourn her mate, James Nelson, her children, Deborah Barrow, Albert Wright, Jr., Taurell “Terri” Mack, (James Mack); Francine Anderson, Marck Wright, Royce including three on the way; as well as her sister, Glenetta Hughes; Sisters-in-law, Vivian White, Esther Taylor and Donna Gibson; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews; and other extended family members and friendsWright, (Velvet Wright); Bridgette Wright; nineteen grandchildren and twenty great grandchildren,.