Obituary for Mary Ruth Pate Martin

Mary Ruth Pate Martin, lovingly known as Mae Ruth, passed away peacefully on February 24, 2024. Born in Kershaw, South Carolina on January 26, 1930, Mae Ruth was the daughter of Annette Pate Sowell and Reverend Pearlie Lester Sowell.

Mae Ruth was a dedicated and compassionate nurse practitioner, graduating from the Harlem Hospital School of Nursing in Harlem, NY after attending Winston-Salem Teachers College. She spent five years at the Harlem Hospital before transitioning to a 30-year career with the New York City Health Department, where she worked tirelessly to provide care to infants and toddlers in low-income clinics.

After retiring at the age of 62, Mae Ruth returned to Winston-Salem, NC, where she continued to be active in her Brightwood Court and Forsyth Court Retirement communities. She was a devoted member of Goler Metropolitan AME Zion Church and cherished her time spent with her Atkins High School Reunion Group classmates and close friends, especially Ms. Annie Pearl Wilson.

Mae Ruth had a fiery passion for life and lived it to the fullest. She thrived on exploring new places, whether it be through her travels, playing bingo, or immersing herself in the vibrant energy of iconic festivals like Mardi Gras and Niagara Falls. Her love for her family knew no bounds, with a deep sense of pride in her daughter, Willette, granddaughter, Kim, and great-grandson, Julius, Jr.

Mae Ruth's love for her family was evident in the way she supported and encouraged each member. She had a special bond with Willette and Kim, ensuring they had the best education and latest fashions growing up. Franklin Simmons, Gimbles Department Store and Plymouth Boutique Shop in the big city of New York were a few of her favorite places to shop for them. She was proud of their accomplishments and always showed her unwavering support.

Mae Ruth's love and pride for her family was immeasurable, but her joy and excitement for her great-grandson's basketball commitment to North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University surpassed all. From the moment Julius, Jr. was born, she had faith in his abilities and constantly encouraged him to reach for the stars. She believed in his talent and potential, teasing him with the prediction that he would follow in his father's footsteps as "a tall basketball player". To see her dream come true and witness Julius, Jr. make his commitment was a moment of pure elation for Mae Ruth, solidifying her unwavering support and belief in him. Her love, support, and faith in his dreams will forever serve as a source of strength and inspiration for Julius, Jr. as he embarks on his basketball career.
Mae Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Annette Pate Sowell and Reverend Pearlie Lester Sowell, as well as her brother, Lester Leon Sowell.

She is survived by her daughter Willette Pate Fair, granddaughter Kimberly Fair-Reese (Julius, Sr.), and great-grandson, Julius, Jr., all of Kernersville, NC; her brother, Tom Henry Pate of Harlem, NY; her niece Stephanie Pate Thomas, two great-nieces Aimee Thomas and Brittany Thomas, and a great-great-nephew Malachi Alonzo Thomas, all of New York; and a devoted cousin, Alzola Simmons, of Winston-Salem, NC. She also leaves behind a host of other relatives and friends who will cherish her memory and the impact she had on their lives.

A celebration of Mary Ruth Pate Martin's life will be held on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at Douthit Funeral Services in Winston-Salem, NC. The family will receive friends at 11:00 a.m. and the celebration of life will begin at 11:30 am Cards and condolences can be sent to the Martin Family, ℅ Douthit Funeral Services at 515 Specialty Park Drive, Winston Salem, NC 27105.