Martha Nell Harris Rutledge

Martha Nell Harris Rutledge, 58, entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, February 27, 2018. She was affectionately called by those who knew her ‘Miss Nell’. Nell was born on April 23, 1959 in Independence, LA to the late David and Carrie Harris. She was the youngest of nine children. Nell’s early education was through the Independence School System before moving to New Orleans and continuing her education at George Washington Carver Senior High School. She later earned her degree in Travel and Tourism from Delta College. Nell accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of Bethel AME church in New Orleans, LA. She was joined in holy matrimony to Booker T. Rutledge on July 2, 1988. They shared 29 years of marriage together. Nell developed a love for cooking at an early age. Her passion for cooking led her to start her own business in the form of a food truck, “Miss Nell’s Place on Wheels”. Miss Nell’s Place on Wheels was widely known in the lower ninth ward area of New Orleans for its famous creole cooking. She successfully managed her food truck for seven years and sold her business when she moved to Detroit, MI in 2001. Prior to leaving New Orleans, Nell was a member of the Big 9 Social and Pleasure club where in 1996 she had the honor of being named the ‘Queen’. Upon moving to Detroit, Nell obtained her chauffer’s license and became a chauffeur driver for Red Wings hockey team owner Mike Ilitch. She later started her own catering company named ‘Miss Nell’s Catering’ in which she cooked her famous ‘New Orleans’ style food. She catered for local business, weddings and parties in the metro Detroit area before retiring in 2009. Nell also used her love for cooking to give back to the community. On Sundays she would prepare meals and give them out through the backdoor of her home to anyone in need. Her philosophy on life was that you did not need a lot of money to help the person next to you. The only thing Nell loved more than cooking was spending time with her children and grandchildren. That time was often filled with laughter, wisdom teachings on life and of course, ‘mama’s home cooking’. Nell had a love for life that was contagious to all around her. She was known for her fashionable hats and “signature red lipstick”. Nell was preceded in death by her parents; her only son Andrew David Harris; her siblings David Jr., Russell, Cal, Mercede and Charles and sister-in-law Laura Harris. She Leaves to mourn her husband Brooker T. Rutledge (Detroit, MI); her first born child Shintasha LaTrace Adams (Atlanta, GA), her baby girl Brooke Chanell Rutledge (Detroit, MI); her only granddaughter Jasmine Dominque Brock, two Grandsons James William Brock, III and Jordan Andrew Brock; also, her brother Alfred Harris (New Orleans, LA), sisters Linda Smith (New Orleans, LA), Carolyn Brooks (Charlottesville, VA); sister-in-law Carol Thames Harris (Chicago, IL); four God-Children, Lester Brisby, David Brooks, Israel Porter and Darius Bell. She also leaves her aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of other family and friends that will cherish her memory. Relatives and friends of the family, also Pastors and members of Bethel AME Church are invited to attend the funeral service at 9:30 AM on Saturday, March 10, 2018 at Bethel AME Church,1437 Caffin Ave., New Orleans, LA 70117. Visitation will be from 8:30 AM until 9:30 AM. Interment: Resthaven Cemetery. Arrangements by Rhodes Funeral Home, 7411 Chef Menteur Hwy. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to share online condolences.