Marcella Nuby

On a fall day on September 14, 1921 Marcella Marie Diggs came into this world. She was the only child born to Robert and Lula Diggs. After 3 months of age the family moved to her mother’s home town of Winchester, Kentucky where she spent most of her early years. It was there that she joined church and began her Christian journey.

As a child she spent time with her mother as she worked in various coal mining towns as a teacher. In high school she lived with her fraternal grandmother in Memphis, Tennessee. Graduating early from high school Marcella continued her education at Kentucky State University as a history and literature major. After graduation she relocated to Virginia and taught French and English to high school kids that were not much younger than her. After her years of teaching she moved to Cincinnati, Ohio and joined Bethel Baptist Church where she belonged to the Class of 25. After teaching in Cincinnati briefly she changed vocations and became employed at the United States Postal Service. She married Edward Nuby (who preceded her in death) and together they had one daughter.

She was devoted to her church and family. As a single mother she was exemplary and taught the importance of faith, education, dedication and hard work. She remained employed at the Postal Service for over 30 years and had many friends there. During those years she traveled, played pinochle with friends, and continued praising the Lord every chance she could. She loved NFL and college football, college basketball, reading novels and watching soap operas. After she retired she enjoyed watching her grandsons and was given the name “Missma” by her eldest grandchild. For many years she took care of her mother in law and watched after her son in law when he was ill.

She will be missed for her 95 years of insights and stories of what life was like in the south during segregation and Jim Crow laws. She will be missed for her lemon meringue pie and pound cake. She will be missed for greens, mac and cheese and fried chicken. She will be missed for her calm sturdy knowledge and her soft hands that could make everything okay with the slightest touch.

Marcella Nuby is survived by her daughter Kimberly Nuby-Brown, grandsons Nicholas and Cameron Brown, great grandchildren Kameron Tooson, Nicholas II and Arielle Brown, cousins Patty Jones, Eva Smith, Joyce Smith and Ralph Smith. She is also survived by in-laws Gyll and Sean Simpson, Carla Brown and the Tooson family.

We love you Mom (Missma). We miss you already but look forward to seeing you again. Enjoy peace and rest the loving arms of the Lord!