Ruth Ballard

Ruth Ballard, 91, of Jacksonville, “experienced the best day of her life by entering the presence of the Lord” on August 10, 2023. Ruth was born in Clarendon, South Carolina, on February 26, 1932. She was the daughter of the late Stephey and Bessie Ballard. She moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with her oldest sister Binkey Mae Ellison during her teen years.

Through the years, Ruth received her License Practical Nurse Diploma. But she was unable to practice nursing due to racial discrimination. She found employment as a Die Cutter in the garment industry. She retired from H. Freedman & Sons in June 1996. She soon left Philadelphia to live with her daughter and husband, who now live in Jacksonville, Arkansas, until her death.

Ruth Ballard was united in matrimony to the late James Pinkney Jr. in 1954. In 1949, he served in the United States Coast Guard. Upon his discharge, he held the rank of Chief Petty Officer. From the union was born two children: James the 3rd and Valorie. He departed this life in January 1988.

Ruth became a member of New Psalmist Baptist Church at a young age. She was Baptist and became an active church member from the treasury secretary, an usher, and helped in the kitchen during functions.

In 1969, Ruth returned to night school and graduated from Ben Franklin High in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on June 15, 1972. James and Valorie happily graduated from Germantown High School on June 16, 1972. Jeffrey B. Worthington, became a part of the Pinkney clan after his mother's death at age 15. Sweet Momma, or Momma Ruth called by some, she loved Jeff as her own.

Ruth (Mommy) was a devoted wife and mother loved by family and friends. She loved to cook, bake, and sew. She loved her role in the church and enjoyed ushering. Then she discovered bowling. She took to bowling, like a fish in water. Mommy found bowling houses/alleys wherever she lived.

In 2003, she settled in Jacksonville, Arkansas. Ruth became a member of Second Baptist Church. Occasionally she would fill in for Sunday school. And for a short time, she participated in Vacation Bible School. Her fruits led several children to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Mommy, the youngest of the siblings, was called to be with our Heavenly Father. On Thursday, August 10, 2023, at 16:23. She welcomes seeing her brother and sister in law, Leroy and Margo Ballard, her sisters, Binkie Mae Ellison, Dorothy Ballard Gibson, and Celestine Ballard Burnett, again. My Cousin Penny of Miami, Florida, said, "Now they are all together. May they keep watch over us all cuz, one love."

Ruth leaves to cherish her loving memory: her children, Jimmy & Daughter-in-law Anissa, Jeff son-in-law Valorie, & her adopted daughter Kim Houston. Nieces and Nephews of California, Florida, Italy, Philadelphia, and in-laws, grandchildren of Albuquerque, New Mexico and Boston, Massachusetts, as well as close family friends from Virginia and D.C. area, and many other friends. Unfortunately, too many to be mentioned all by name.