Waters Funeral Home, Inc. | Franklin, TN

Obituary For Ruth Alma Mason

Ruth A. Mason Ruth Alma Mason born July 5, 1929 in Newark New Jersey the fourth child of five of Nathan and Rose E Lowe. Wife of late Nathaniel H Mason Sr., Mother of Douglas N Mason of Limerick PA and Nathaniel H Mason Jr of College Grove TN. Step Mother of Alice Benjamin of East Orange NJ. She grew up in Newark NJ and graduated from West Side high school in 1947. She was baptized at Bright Hope Baptist Church in Newark. She had a large extended family of siblings and cousins, as well as her beloved older half-sister and brother of Columbus OH, Polly Pruitt and Frank Lowe.

Ruth had a natural ability for facts and figures, accordingly she chose to leverage those skills in accounting and short hand. As a young lady of color, she pursued one of the few avenues of professionalism available at the time, studying stenography she became a secretary. Hence she began her career at New Jersey Bell telephone. As a talented professional woman, she left New Jersey Bell telephone to pursue a passion for hairstyling. After obtaining a real estate license, she attended cosmetology school and became a licensed beautician. If present, many a neighborhood girls would recall my mother’s hairstyling in preparation for their meaningful events or occasions. She soon transitioned back to a secretarial role, initially at New Jersey State Unemployment agency. Later she ascended to her career defining post in New Jersey State Attorney General’s Office as legal secretary for the Director of Civil Rights. Here she engaged in and facilitated many landmark legal proceedings. Eventually encountering a future Supreme Court Justice, which she held in disdain. Retiring 1991, she study communications at Montclair State College.

Personally, Ruth met and married our father Nathaniel Mason Sr. in December 1958. They first settled in Newark and finally in Montclair NJ in February 1966. She resided there for 32 years rearing two sons. In Montclair, she built a life around enduring friendships; became an active member of St Paul Baptist church; fulfilled a passion for travel, both domestic and international. My mother and father enjoyed raising two boys, instilling wisdom, strength and perseverance in preparation for an ever-evolving world. In 1998, after the passing of her husband in 1989, Mom moved to Limerick PA, joining her eldest son (Douglas) and soon begin the next chapter of her life as “Granny” to grandchildren Kyle and Natalie Mason. After 18 years of doting affection (sometimes smothering) she moved to College Grove TN in 2016. Joining her youngest son (Nat) and his growing family, there she became known as “Grandma” to her grandson “Mason” (Nathaniel 3rd) and at times ‘overruled’ parental guidance in his favor. Frequently, calling on her daughter-in-law (Deanna) for around-town outings in Franklin, Deanna would muse to her favorite ‘dance partner’… “Let’s roll Ruth!”

She survived by her loving family: Douglas and Wendy Mason Nathaniel Jr. and Deanna Mason Alice and Theopolis Benjamin

Grandchildren: Kyle Mason Natalie Mason Nathaniel Mason III Derrick Benjamin Darrell Benjamin. 3-Nieces and 5-Nephews.

Funeral service 1:30 P.M. Tuesday, February 23, 2021 at Waters Funeral Chapel, 1408 Columbia Ave. Franklin, TN 37064.

Interment Thursday, February 25, 2021 at Fairmount Cemetery, 620 Central Ave., Newark, NJ 07107

Guest Book

Three years ago today, February 14, 2021, you transitioned Mrs. Mason and it feels like yesterday. I miss you so much. I have so many fond memories of you. I try to rely on those memories but sometimes that's just not enough. I yearn to hear your voice sharing the wisdom you possessed. Miss you my friend. Continue to Rest in Heaven, Mrs. Mason.🙏🏽🕊️🙏🏽

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Mrs. Mason, You were one of the most fascinating friends that my grandma (Edna) had. You were like a dignified statue when I was small and an intelligent, inspiring, and caring woman as I grew. You will be deeply missed. May you rest in heavenly peace. - Aja Norman-Daye

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Dear Douglas (Wendy), Nat (Deanna), Kyle, Natalie, Mason and all other loved ones of Mrs. Mason, I know it has been a sorrowful time since Mrs. Mason transitioned from this Earthly realm, because it has been for me. Last night and this morning, I was dreading this day. I even put another memorial message on Mrs. Mason's Obituary in her hometown newspaper and I mentioned funeralizing her today. Later, it came to me that that was the cerebral terminology I used, but thank God, her Spirit through the Holy Ghost spoke to me, so I want to replace funeralize with "A Celebration of Life Ceremony" for Mrs. Ruth Alma Mason. Of course, our hearts are sad and we may or may not cry but we know that the life that Mrs. Mason's lived to it's fullest deserves to be celebrated. And that is what we should do today because that is what Mrs. Mason would desire. Amen Lovely submitted, Annette Carter-Gales, a forever Friend Lower Gwynedd, PA

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May God comfort and keep you all in his loving care. I am so grateful I had the chance to know Mrs. Mason, she was a kind and loving person. I will miss talking with her so very much. Love and Blessings, Lori and Desi Norman

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Lord thank you for the life of Aunt Ruth and the legacy she leaves behind. She will truly be missed by all. We are praying that God will wrap his loving arms around you Douglas and Nat,and provide that comfort and peace to your soul. Love The Browns,Graham and Lowe families in Columbus,Ohio

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May the love share comfort you always May the memories shared bring you peace May the Faith share surround you in the days ahead With deepest sympathy and prayers on the loss of your mother, mother in law, grandmother and friend Daren Marshall WMC

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Proverbs 3:5-8 were Mrs. Mason favorite Bible verses. 5. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding 6. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he should direct thy paths. 7,8..... Mrs. Mason would often quote this scripture off the top of her head. She loved the Lord and lived according to HIS word. So, I say to Mrs. Mason well done my good and faithful servant, you have run your course and fought the good fight and now you have earned your final rest. As your friend for over twenty years, I will miss our long conversations, which we shared so much about life, current events, family, friends and everything in between from A to Z. The memories I have of you will carry me through the rest of my life. Mrs. Mason, I will miss you but for now I don't say good bye, I say so long until we meet again. Rest well my friend. I love you. Your Friend, Annette Carter-Gales (Kewin and Taylor, too!) Lower Gwynedd, PA

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Rest In Peace Aunt Ruth your family will be in my prayers I met her once I Ohio I am her half brother Nathan Lowe granddaughter from South Carolina

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RIP Aunt Ruth. We Love You.

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Waters Funeral Home, Inc. | Franklin, TN