Nellie Rodriguez Harvey, age 89, of Ruston, LA passed away Saturday, April 10, 2021. She was born June 24, 1931, to the late Jennie Marquez and Antonio Rodriguez in New York, NY. Nellie was an alumnus of New York University with a master's degree in English. After graduation, she joined Columbia University International where she traveled to Kabul Afghanistan. There she met her husband of 59 years and the love of her life, John Wesley Harvey. John was stationed there as a member of the Army Attache. She and John traveled the world together before settling down in Monticello, Arkansas when they returned to the United States. She and John eventually moved to Ruston, Louisiana, where they currently lived. Nellie continued teaching at various universities for 51 years. She retired from Grambling State University in 2015 at the young age of 84. She was a member of Cook Baptist Church. She had touched many lives and still had former students that came to her home to visit. If you ever met Nellie, you would never forget her.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Jennie and Antonio; one brother, Tony Rodriguez; one daughter, Joy Annette Harvey; one grandson, Johnathan Watson; and one great-grandchild, Abigail Watson.
Nellie is survived by her husband, John; children, Jennie Harvey Clark (Ricky) and Johna Harvey Gilbert; sister, Wilda Rodriguez of Hutchinson Island, FL; grandchildren, William Neil Watson, and Zachary Cornelius Watson; great-grandchildren, Jacob Watson, Dylan Watson, and Caleb Anderson.
Service will be Thursday, April 15, 2021, at 2:00 P.M, in the Stephenson-Dearman Chapel. A Viewing with Family and Friends will be from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. Burial will be in Lone Sassafras Cemetery.
Condolences(5)
David Hodges
Ruston, LA Thursday, April 15, 2021 I'm so sorry to hear of Nellie's passing. She was a wonderful colleague and very nice lady. We will all miss her, as indeed we have since her retirement.Catherine J Bonner
Grambling, LA Wednesday, April 14, 2021 My sincere condolences.Lelia Guin Davis
Monticello, AR Tuesday, April 13, 2021 John and family, so sorry to hear this about Nellie, she was a beautiful and kind lady. I remember when you and Nellie came home to the states to live.I know she will be missed by many, You are in my thoughts and prayers at this time. May GOD bless you and get you thru this difficult timeDetra Abbott
Little Rock, AR Monday, April 12, 2021 Aunt Nellie, I will forever miss you. You have always been like a beam of sunshine in my life and I loved coming to stay with you and Uncle Johnny. Many wonderful memories and EVERYONE you touched in life here on Earth will forever love you and hold onto our beautiful memories. Fly high Aunt Nellie. God is waiting.Lynn and Judy Irvin
Ruston, LA Monday, April 12, 2021 John and family - we are so sorry to hear about the loss of Nellie - she was a special lady and we so enjoyed out times with you both. Let us know if we can do anything for you. Love you.