Ruthie Nell Perry-Martin, affectionately known to family and friends as “Bud,” was born on Aug. 1, 1935 in Covington to the late Jim and Alva Maxey.

She attended Washington Street School. Ruthie worked for Lithonia Lighting for over 20 years and The Newton County Public School System. She attended Mt. Olive Baptist Church, where she was active on the mother’s board.

“Bud” was a sharp-witted, beautifully spirited, fun loving person. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends and often had dinner and lunch dates with her two sisters, Betty and Jean. “Ruthie” loved to travel and would often recall the time she took her first plane ride from Georgia to California, solo!

With her passing, there is emptiness. In many ways, the gift of Ruthie’s life is still here with us, as she lives on in our memories and in what she instilled in us all throughout the years. “Bud” was preceded in death by her loving husband, Roy Martin; sister, Mary Joyce Gaither; a brother, LC Maxey, Jr. and a grandson, Jerome Perry.   

Surviving to cherish her memories are her children, Arbie Perry, Charlotte Perry, and Gerald Perry; two sisters, Betty A. Milsap and Charlotte “Jean” Allen; grandchildren, Tamara Lopez, Nicole Perry, Jamar (Renee) Perry, Isaiah Perry, Alicia Perry, Master Perry, Kirby (Rhonda) Perry, Kimberly (Clayton Sr.) Andrews, Clairessa (Cordell) Benton, twelve great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and caring friends. 

A funeral service was held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2 at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 355 Moores Road, Covington, with the Rev. Ashley Dobbs and the Rev. Clayton Andrews officiating. Interment followed at Westside Cemetery. 

The family of the late Ruthie Nell Perry—Martin would like to thank each and everyone for your prayers, encouraging words of comfort, phone calls food and floral arrangements. May God bless each of you.