Ruth Pauline Jackson's Obituary
Ruth Pauline Jackson (79) of Indian Head, Maryland.
Ruth was called home, Friday, July 20, 2018. Although it is heartbreaking for those who loved and needed her, it was time, as it was God’s plan. Ruth Pauline Williams, an only child, was born to Paul and Ruth Williams in Rison, Maryland on Saturday, January 28, 1939. She was educated in the Charles County Public School System and attended Pomonkey High School. She joined Mount Hope Baptist Church and was baptized by the late Reverend Rodney Young.
Ruth was united in holy matrimony to Francis Jackson on December 31, 1966, where together they raised eight children. Her professional career began with the Department of the Navy at the Naval Ordnance Station in Indian Head, Maryland as an Explosives Technician before moving to the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, DC. She worked as a Quality Assurance Specialist, retiring in 1997.
Ruth had a volunteer spirit that allowed her to serve the community. As a resident of Woodland Village for nearly 60 years, she was an integral participant in the activities and events of the Woodland Village Civic Association. Especially, during the period when it was successfully awarded a $6.5 million lawsuit to upgrade the community’s water system, place street lights throughout the community and establish the Woodland Village Park. She was a valuable member of the Mount Hope Baptist Church Kitchen Ministry for many years. Ruth had been a vital member of the Accokeek Seniors Center since 1997. Initially, she only played bingo but through the years she became the organization’s secretary and treasurer. She prepared cakes and desserts for the seniors. It was here, she developed a wonderful friendship and bond with the Accokeek Volunteer Fire Department.
Affectionately known as “Sugarbaby” or “Suga” to her family and friends, Ruth lived life with passion and zest. She was straightforward and did not hold back but she was as beautiful, lovable, and generous just the same. She loved watching the Washington Redskins, Steve Harvey’s Family Feud, and the American Ninja Warrior. Ruth had a collection of over 50 elephants on display though out her home that symbolized "strength and good luck.”
Ruth was an avid bowler and a member of the Classic Ladies Bowling Team for over 20 years where she also served as the secretary and treasurer. This gave her the distinguished honor of bowling in 45 out of 50 states. All-in-all, Ruth’s greatest passion was bingo. Prior to her affiliation with the senior center, she played bingo everywhere sometimes traveling to different states.
If Ruth was not at bingo or bowling, you could always find her in the kitchen cooking up something delicious. Her potato salad was often requested. Rather 10, 20 or 40 pounds, it was always made with love. In fact, three weeks before her passing she made 30 pounds for her God-daughter.
Family was her pride and joy. She greatly relished spending quality time hosting customary Sunday dinners, cookouts, holiday parties, game nights, monthly birthday parties, and a grand party on the 4th of July.
Ruth was preceded in death by her loving husband, Francis; parents Paul and Ruth Williams. She leaves to cherish her precious legacy seven daughters – Cathie Williams, Bettie Demery, Muriel Riaz, Irish Burns, Myra Queen (James), Frances Jackson-Thompson (Patrick), Francine Jackson, and son, Percel Jackson, Sr.; 10 grandchildren – Shanikqua (Benjamin), Sheasaun, Stayvon, Leland, Shalon Sr. , Italia, Shannon, Percel Jr., Shantria, Trevaughn; 16 great-grandchildren – De’Sean (Patrice), Javonte’, ShaKayla, KaiVaughan, Deizon , Mekieh, Shalon Jr. , Shaniah, Laia, Janiyah, Tavian, Laylani, Shayne, Jaliyah, Jordyn, and Joseph; one great great-grandchild - Zya’ brother-in-law – Charles Jackson (Hazel); sister-in-law – Edna Proctor (Anthony); cousin – Mary Helen Lomax; daughter-in-love – Michelle Jackson; grand-daughter-in love – Crystal Burkett; loving and dedicated friend for almost 60 years – Renetta Penny. Ruth and Renetta were more like sisters than friends. Their enduring love for one another and their families will live on forever; faithful and loyal companion – Chico; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Her viewing will be held from 9am until time of service, 11am, Monday, July 30, 2018 at Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church, Marbury, MD. Interment Trinity Memorial Gardens, Waldorf, MD.
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