Ruth Elizabeth Smith

Ruth Elizabeth Smith, beloved daughter of the late Elizabeth and Fleet Ball, was born in Kinsal, Virginia on May 9, 1934. On January 4, 2017, surrounded by her beloved and devoted family, a host of angels stood by and the Lord came to receive unto Himself, Ruth; that where He is, there she may be also. Triumphantly and gracefully she transitioned from earth to glory, forever to be with the Lord. After her education in the Baltimore City Public School System, Ruth married the late Alfred E. Smith. From that union they were blessed with the joys of her life: daughters, Marion, Frances, Louise, Jacqueline and Sharon; sons, Alfred, Jr. (who preceded her in death) and Guy; and her grandson, Jerome (who preceded her in death). Ruth worked tirelessly as a homemaker and raising her beloved family. She showered them with unconditional love, care and support in all of their endeavors. Her pride and joy of her family excelled even more with the births of her precious grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. She had ample room in her heart for all and they loved their dear "Grannie" and "Gran-Gran", In addition, Ruth, as a nurturer, was a mother to many individuals beyond her immediate family. She was kind and generous to those in need and always willing to give a helping hand where and when she could. Ruth was an avid bowler, a sport she truly loved and excelled in. Ruth was a member of several bowling leagues for many years and received numerous trophies for the tournaments she won. Even after her retirement, she continued to bowl occasionally. Ruth was a member of the "Afternoon Ladies' PO-KE-NO Group" from which she took pride in hosting and attending heir monthly get-togethers. She also loved travelling, visiting family and friends, playing cards and going to casinos. As a God fearing woman, Ruth loved her church. She was a faithful member of the First Corinthians Baptist Church for many years. In her retirement years, Ruth took care of her great-grandchildren with her utmost devotion and love, as always. In addition, she volunteered for community service at the Bernard C. Mason Senior Building, for which her work and dedication was recognized with a Certificiate of Appreciation from the then Mayor Kurt L. Schmoke. Ruth leaves to cherish her loving memory: five daughters, Marion Thaniel, Frances Colston, Louise Smith, Jacqueline Smith and Sharon Crosby; son, Guy T. Smith; grandchildren, Brandon, Sr., Nina, Rashaad, Lawrence, Jr., Stephanie, Linnea, Teia, Tavon, Tynish, Justin, Ashley, Awnyae, Teneka, Tiffany, and Kevin; two sons-in-law, Lawrence Thaniel, Sr. and Eugene Colston; daughter-in-law, Janie Smith; eighteen great-children and two great-great -grandchildren; her devoted god-daughters, Ms. Patricia Crawley and Ms. Elaine Johnson; cousins, Laurann Mayo, Jake Ball and Leslie Ball; very devoted and loving friends, Ms. Delores Mack, Ms. Geraldine Neal, and Mr. Herman Davis; neighbor, Ms. Evelyn Thomas; and a host of many other family and friends.

Tributes

Ruth Elizabeth Smith

May 9, 1934 - January 4, 2017