Ruth Mae Givens

Ruth Mae (Thomas) Givens, 89, of Gastonia, went to her heavenly home on Friday, October 28, 2022. Ruth Mae was a committed daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Ruth is the daughter of the late Olivia (Bush) Thomas and Sidney Thomas, Sr. Her sisters Laurentine Jackson and Barbara Bonner and brothers Morris Thomas, Sidney Thomas, Jr., Ralph Thomas and Bertran Thomas have all also preceded her in death.

Ruth Mae Thomas realized at an early age that education is essential to having the skills and tools to serve others. Born in Alexandria, Louisiana, she attended Peabody High School. Her senior year was spent at Manual Training High School in Brooklyn, New York. During her time at Manual Training High School, she received two letters of commendation and certification in first aid. Additionally, she was a member of the bowling, softball, and volleyball clubs. Ruth earned her high school diploma from Manual Training High School in June 1951. In the same year, she was accepted into Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Ruth worked as a bookkeeper for a funeral home and a laundress for a laundry service during college, enabling her to graduate a year earlier. She earned her B.A. with a major in secondary education from Southern University in 1954.

Ruth Mae gave her community the gift of education and music. As a teacher at West Babylon Junior High School in New York, she taught English to middle school students. Ruth Mae taught Sunday School throughout her career. She also was a literary enthusiast, who was an avid reader and writer. Ruth Mae loved to read comics, journals, newspapers and novels. Also, she wrote and edited various articles and manuscripts. Ruth Mae enjoyed listening to many types of music, including Gospel, Country and R&B. She also enjoyed movies, theater, and television.

Music teaching and conducting the choir at different churches was Ruth Mae's way of sharing her love for the Lord and her love for music. She created the Jubilee Harmonizers Choir in Ocala, Florida, as a way to teach others African-American spirituals and hymns. Their performances would uplift residents in convalescent homes, rehab facilities and church attendees.

Ruth Mae’s love for community and culture was demonstrated through her faith and service. She was a devout Christian. Ruth Mae consistently contributed to the spreading of the Gospel of Jesus Christ by helping others. As a member of the Elite Utopian Community Club in Ocala, Florida, she assisted with the hosting of several community events. Ruth Mae touched so many people throughout her life, from those who briefly knew her to those who never met her personally, all came to adore her. She left a large impact that will live on throughout our lives. Ruth Mae will be missed but never be forgotten. Her light will forever shine bright.

Ruth Mae leaves behind the love of her life and husband, Joseph J. Givens, to whom she was married for 65 years. Their daughters, Randy Givens and Pamela Givens-Goodman are also left behind to carry on Ruth's legacy. The two grandchildren, Antonio Collins II (Ramar) and Arianna Goodman, who dearly loved their grandmother and will continue her traditions. The legacy of Ruth includes one great-grandchild - Antonio Joseph "AJ" Vinson. Her only surviving sibling is Dennis Thomas. Also grieving her passing are her two sister-in -laws, Margaret Thomas and Jane Thomas, as well as a number of nieces, nephews, cousins, other extended family members, and friends.

A short service celebrating Ruth’s life will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, November 4th, 2022, in the Cardinal Hall of Carothers Funeral Home, 2205 Williamsburg Drive, Gastonia. Those wishing to view Ruth may view her a half-hour before the service begins at 12:30 PM. Burial will follow the Celebration of Life service in The John section of The Garden of the Apostles at Gaston Memorial Park. Reverend Bobby Daniels & Ronnie Baxter will officiate the services.

Fond memories of Ruth and condolences for the family may be left at www.carothersfuneralhomegastonia.com.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests that donations be made in Ruth's name to the Pearl Foundation, www.paypal.com/paypalme/pearlfoundationinc.

The staff of Carothers Funeral Home at Gaston Memorial Park is honored to serve the Givens Family.