Annie Ruth Baldwin-Nixon

On February 7, 2024, 0f Washington Twp.  Age 81.  Beloved wife of the late William Nixon.  Devoted mother of Cecilia Hart.  Dear sister of the late Comer Thad Arnold, Alphonso Arnold, Sr., and the late Elaine Reddick.  Dear sister-in-law of Thelma Arnold.  Dear aunt of Alphonso, Jr., Pamella Raison, and David Reddick.  Also love by her great-nieces and nephews and cousins.

Annie Ruth Baldwin was born to Calvin Joseph Baldwin and Sady Will Thomas on March 10, 1942, in Belle Glade, FL Little Annie was only a few months old when Sady, her mother, passed due to complications from pregnancy. Annie was taken in by her mother’s eldest sister, Annie Ruth Arnold, in Americus, Ga. She raised Annie with Christian principles until her death when Annie was only ten years old. Little Annie was then cared for by her maternal grandmother who passed when Little Annie was eleven years old. From that point, Annie was passed from one family member to another until her teenage years. She was taught to cook and found a job in a restaurant where the owner gave her the responsibility of making daily bank deposits. Eventually, this restaurateur sent Annie to work as a nanny in Rhode Island. At the age of eighteen, she met and married William Nixon. This marriage ended in 1967.

In 1969, Annie and her new husband Carl Roddy welcomed their child, Cecilia to the world. When that marriage ended, Annie married Curtis Rome who took Annie and Cecilia to live in Italy for three years. After returning to America, Annie divorced Curtis and eventually married Samuel Hart. Samuel moved the family to South Jersey and adopted Annie’s child.

In her mid-thirties, Annie returned to High School and earned her GED. She became interested in local politics and served as the committee person for her district in Washington Township for more than two decades. She also had a great concern for young people and fostered children for several years as an in­ home foster parent.

When Cecilia went to college, Annie divorced Samuel. Years passed and she reconnected with her first husband, William Nixon. They remarried and remained married until death called William in 2020. One person who has been a constant presence in Annie’s life since childhood is her sister-in-law, Thelma Arnold-Smith, who has remained loyal, supportive, and faithful.

During her last three years, while Annie was bedridden, she was diligently cared for by Cecilia, who was by her side until the end.

Annie leaves to cherish her memory her daughter, Cecilia; her sister-in-law, Thelma Arnold-Smith; two nephews, David Reddick of Americus, GA, and Alphonso Arnold, Jr., of Harrisburg, PA; one niece, Pamella Arnold (Norman) Raison of Cheltenham, PA; great cousins Alphonso Arnold, Ill, Normaine Raison, Norman Raison, IV and great nieces, nephews and cousins, Cecelia Stephenson, Tiffany Mansfield, Melanie Mansfield, and Montrell Mansfield Martinez, and friends and care-givers from the Home Instead healthcare services agency.

Annie Ruth (Ann) was a loving person.  She was kind and compassionate. She loved to cook and her meals were enjoyed by all!  Her other passions included gardening, entertaining and throwing amazing house parties.  An avid card player, she was masterful at Blackjack and Tunk.  Ann’s love and generosity extended to others outside of her immediate family.  She was a foster parent to many, and her welcoming spirit was enjoyed by those who knew her.  She was a firm believer in the institution of marriage and was a devoted wife.  She was raised in a Christian home and her faith and southern values guided her steps.  Ann will be missed by her beloved child, Cecilia Hart and her devoted sister-in-law, Thelma Arnold-Smith.

Family and friends are invited to attend her viewing Friday 10:00-11:00 AM at the Egizi Funeral Home, 119 Ganttown Road, Washington Twp.  Funeral service 11:00 AM.  Repast to follow.

“A Life Well Lived Is Worth Remembering”