Harriet Blige Ruggs

Harriet Blige Ruggs was born on May 21, 1949 in Boston, Massachusetts to the late Rena Gertrude Singleton and Willie Blige. She grew up with three siblings, the late Louise Parks, Rena Blige, and William Blige. Harriet was educated in the Boston Public School system and continued her education in both cosmetology and secretarial studies, along with other professional certificates. She loved to travel, to learn new things, and had a passion for sewing, which quickly inspired her to create her sewing business, Pillow Talk.

Harriet was a multitalented woman. She was a gardener who loved to plant everything from flowers to fruits to vegetables. She loved to bake and famous for her upside-down pineapple cake as well as sweet potato pie. Harriet loved to exercise and stay fit, which led to her eventual participation in a Boston Marathon.

Harriet was known to be a very driven and ambitious woman. She was very determined to learn Spanish and even hired a tutor! She was loved by many friends throughout her life.

Harriet met and fell in love with Israel Ruggs at City Hospital during the late 60s. They married on March 7th, 1970 and moved to Atlanta, Georgia in 2005. During those joyous 54 years together, they raised three beautiful children: Tawncha Yvette Ruggs, Israel Anthony Ruggs, and Kenya Tamisha Ruggs.

Harriet leaves to cherish her memory, two children, one daughter-in-law, eleven grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, along with a host of nieces and nephews with extended family across the country.