Ruth Pearl Edmonds

Ruth Pearl Edmonds was born Rubie Pearl Shank on April 26, 1935 in Thompson, GA. She was the eldest of eight children born to the late Lannie and Lillian Shank. Elizabeth Daughtery preceded her in death.Ruth received a rural education in Thompson, GA. She loved God and accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior and Lord at and early age. She was baptized and became a member of the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Thompson, GA. The shank family relocated Social Circle, GA, where she gave birth to her son, Robert Shanks, who she loved unconditionally. Ruth remained in Georgia when the Shank family migrated north.In 1954, Ruth moved to Baltimore, MD to reunite with her family. Ruth became a devoted member at First Mount Olive Freewill Baptist Church located at that time on Bond Street. Ruth served God there for thirty years. Ruth was active in various ministries including the Usher Board, Senior Choir, Hospitality Committee, Nurses Aid, and the Jolly-Maker Club.On September 23, 1973, Ruth married the late Jessie Edmonds, Jr. and officially changed her name to Ruth. She and Jessie raised Dwayne Daughtery as their second son.Ruth was a stylish dresser who always kept their hair beautifully groomed and she could also wear some hats! Those who knew her will remember her smile and her willingness to give a helping hand to anyone in need.Ruth was the neighborhood watch person; she knew everyone that walked through the block. She could tell you when you left and if you were wearing different clothes when you returned. Children were her joy and she loved them unconditionally. Anytime she saw one of them, she would say, “Come here baby. Are they treating mama’s baby right? All the neighborhood kids knew Miss Ruth and her switch. If they acted ugly, all she had to say was, “Alright now, where is my switch?” You should have seen their little heads snap around with a new attitude. Ruth would open up her heart and her home to infants and would care for that child up to sixteen years old, taking them everywhere, especially church. The last flower that she raised was Master Bradley Hall.Could she cook? She got it from her Mama! Anything that walked, flew or swam, she could put in a pot and leave you licking your fingers. As for pies and cakes, she would make four or five at a time. She rejoiced to feed you and see you enjoy what she prepared.Through her devoted service to the church, she was blessed to wear a crown: The First Mother of The Church of Jesus of Nazareth Freewill Baptist Church (Bishop Marilyn E. Bostic, Pastor and Founder), she was actively involved in the church’s development. During this period she spoke at various gatherings at her church and throughout the city.Ruth will always be remembered for her love of God, her church family and her block. She departed this life on May 2005 at 11:09 p.m.She leaves to cherish her memory: son, Robert Shanks; the son she raised, Dwayne Daughtry; mother, Lillian Shanks; three sisters, Juanita Littlejohn of Philadelphia, PA; Claudy May Lott of Brooklyn, NT, Christine Shank of Baltimore, MD; daughter-in-law, Adrienne Shanks; two granddaughters, Robin and Renee Shanks; one great-grandson, Ronald Mills Jr.; two godsons, Gerry McCall, Jerrry Edmonds; one main goddaughter, Cherly Hankins; and a host of other goddaughters, too many to name; five sisters-in-law, Irene James-Jackson of NC, Lula Edmonds, Barbara Shank, Teresa Shanks, Carmelita Shanks of Baltimore, MD; a special God-sent friend, Deacon John Williams; and her heart, Bradley Hall; a host of nieces, nephews, cousin and friends.

Tributes

Ruth Pearl Edmonds

April 26, 1935 - May 4, 2005