RUTH JOE WASHINGTON
Ruth Joe Washington, widow of Walter Lee Washington, was born on Aug. 5, 1937, in Lee County, to the late Deacon Charlie Joe and Deaconess Clara Bell Samuel Joe. She departed this earthly life for her heavenly reward on Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, at Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital in Sumter.
She was educated in the public schools of Lee County and attended Dennis High School. At an early age, she became a member of Galilee Missionary Baptist Church in Mayesville. After marriage, she became a member of Unionville AME Church in St. Charles. At the time of her passing, she was a member of Kingdom M-Pact Worship Center in Sumter. Ruth was employed by Campbell Soup Industries for 22 years and later worked for Gold Kist Industries for five years, until her retirement. On Jan. 9, 1959, she was united in holy matrimony to Walter Lee Washington and one son was raised in this loving union.
Ruth is survived by one son, Jerry (Teresa) Washington of Sumter; her brothers, Jimmy (Norma Jean) Joe of Fort Pierce, Florida, Malachi (Nuria Morgan) Joe of Rossville, Tennessee, and the Rev. Charles (Sharon) Joe of Sumter; one sister, Evelyn Birdie Joe of Largo, Maryland; a stepdaughter, Juanita Plowden McGainey of St. Charles; her grandchildren, Tinnetta Sims, Jacqueline Washington, Nena Washington, Jerry M. Washington and Tori Washington; four great-grandchildren; a special cousin, Clarabell Samuel Calliste; a special niece, Shirley Fitzgerald; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
In addition to her parents and husband, Ruth was preceded in death by several siblings: brothers, Charlie Joe Jr. and Samuel Joe; sisters, Etoy (Peggy) Joe, twin sister Ruby Cain, Rebecca Speed and Geneva Hudson; and a stepson, Johnnie Lee Ellerbe.
Public viewing will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. today at Job's Mortuary.
Mrs. Washington will be placed in the church at 11 a.m. on Friday for viewing until the hour of service.
Funeral services will be held at noon on Friday at Salem Chapel & Heritage Center, 101 S. Salem Ave., Sumter, SC 29150 with Pastor Linda Speed, eulogist, and the Rev. Charlie Joe officiating. Interment will follow at Hillside Memorial Park.
The family will receive friends at the home of her son, 2240 Presidio Drive, Sumter, SC 29154.
Job's Mortuary Inc., 312 S. Main St., Sumter, is in charge of arrangements.
Online memorials may be sent to the family at jobsmortuary@sc.rr.com or visit us on the web at www.jobsmortuary.net.