Nellie Ruth Monk was born on November 8, 1938, in Kenansville, North Carolina, to the late Crettie Monk and Oscar Miller. She was the second of six children. She was preceded in death by her parents, Crettie Monk and Oscar Miller; her brothers, Julius, Raymond, and Robert Lee. She attended E.E. Smith High School and graduated in 1959. Nellie was a devoted member of First Baptist Church in Kenansville, where she developed a deep love for her faith, her church family, and spending time with her cousins. Her bond with her favorite cousin, Martha Johnson, was especially strong—they were more like sisters and shared a lifelong connection rooted in love, trust, and shared memories. Nellie was a loving and devoted mother to her son, Mark Anthony, and her daughter, Sheila Faye. She poured love into their lives and extended that same care and affection to Martha Johnson and her children as well. In the 1970s, Nellie moved to Philadelphia, and Martha soon joined her, continuing their close companionship. Nellie loved being surrounded by family, especially children. She was known throughout her neighborhood as someone parents could always rely on. Ms. Monk was often called upon to babysit because families trusted that she would care for their children as if they were her own. Her kindness, patience, and nurturing spirit made a lasting impression on everyone she encountered. She also shared a close friendship with Susan Burns. Together with Martha, they enjoyed shopping, spending time together, and taking the children to the movies, creating cherished memories that will never be forgotten. On February 16, 2026, Nellie Ruth Monk peacefully went home to be with the Lord. She was preceded in death by her brothers Julius, Raymond, and Robert Lee. She leaves to cherish her memory her two loving children, Mark Anthony of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Sheila Faye Dorsey of Orlando, Florida; her three beloved grandchildren, Tyron Nicols, Shanira, and Taylor; her sisters, Etta Howard and Martha Howard; her brothers on the Miller side; and her devoted cousins, Martha Johnson, Deneice Berry, Tammy Young, and Maurice Miller, whom she loved dearly and thought the world of. She also leaves behind extended family, dear friends, and a community whose lives were touched by her love and generosity.

Nellie will be remembered for her warmth, her faith, her unwavering love for her family, and the countless lives she nurtured along the way. Her legacy of love and care will live on in all who knew her.