Mary Ruth Williams died on December 15, 2018, at Brookridge Retirement Home in Winston-Salem, NC, where she had been a resident for a number of years. Prior to moving to Brookridge she made her home in Raleigh where she was employed by the Baptist State Convention from July 25, 1965, until her retirement on November 30, 1993. She began her work for the convention as the administrative assistant to the General Secretary/Treasurer, Dr. Perry Crouch, and would go on to work with Baptist State Convention Executive Directors, Dr. Cecil Ray and Dr. Roy Smith. She was the first person at the convention to be given the title of Administrative Assistant. An important part of her responsibilities included working directly with the convention Executive Committee and arranging meetings of the Trustees of Baptist colleges. She is always remembered for her pleasant disposition, her genuine helpfulness, and her professionalism.
Ruth grew up in Asheville, NC, with her parents and two sisters. She is predeceased by her parents, David and Nellie Mae Hensley Williams., as well as her sisters, Clara Mae Williams and Ruby Jean Williams Roberts. She is survived by her nieces, Susan Vanzant and Doreen Guess, both of Clarksville, TN. While in Raleigh she was a member of Forest Hills Baptist Church where for many years she taught Sunday School. When she moved to Winston-Salem she joined College Park Baptist Church.
Ruth graduated high school in Asheville before attending college in South Carolina. She went on to receive her Masters of Religious Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary on May 13, 1955. After seminary she served as a church secretary and then taught Bible in high school in Fairmont, NC, before beginning her work with the Baptist State Convention of NC. Ruth loved to travel and did so extensively.
A memorial service for Ruth will be held at 2:00 PM, Friday, December 28, at Mitchell Funeral Home, Raleigh, with visitation beginning at 1:00 PM. Memorials can be made to the Mary Ruth Williams Endowment Fund, c/o the NC Baptist Foundation, 201 Convention Drive, Cary, NC 27511.
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