Mary Ruth Green Black

MARY RUTH GREEN BLACK WEAVERVILLE – After a brief illness, on Thursday morning May 18, 2017 the world lost a beautiful, kind, caring, hardworking and creative soul while the angels rejoiced in welcoming Mary Ruth Green Black to heaven. Her family and friends are devastated at her passing but grateful for the excellent care she received at Mission Hospital and for her peaceful transition to her next life. Ruth was a loving and dedicated wife to William “Bill” Black, age 91 in a marriage only a few weeks shy of 60 years. They were married on June 8, 1957 and lived their lives in the Jupiter area of Weaverville. Ruth had just celebrated her 84th birthday on March 29th. She was the oldest daughter of George E. and Lucy T. Green who preceded her in death. Born on and growing up on a farm in Madison County, Ruth’s family first lived in a two room log house; later in a four room house and then in 1955, a new larger home. Ruth’s life was defined by her unwavering commitment to family; generous and caring spirit; bright and wonderful smiles; positive attitude; varied interests and community service. After retirement, Ruth focused on the creative and engaging outlet of quilting. She honed her expertise working with her mother Lucy Tweed Green and on skills passed from her Grandmother Saphronia Tweed. Ruth was appreciative and honored with the passing of these gifts and love from one generation to another. Numerous families received custom designed quilts and her family is privileged to have an album with pictures of her many complicated and beautiful quilts. Ruth had a minor stroke in December of 2013, but recovered to continue her quilting. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Kate Green and Christeen Ponder; along with three nephews, Nathan Payne, Jeff Green and Michael Oldham. She is survived by six brothers and sisters: Jean Sprinkle and husband Hoyt of Jonesboro TN, Bernice Welch of Weaverville, Belva Crum of Fletcher and Geneva Roberts and husband James of Marshall; Joe Green and wife Claudia of Marshall, and Bruce Green and wife Virginia of Weaverville; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Boyd and Peggy Black of Asheville; nieces, Gwen Sprinkle, Jewel Moore, Kae Martin, Tammy Severe, Teresa Lester, Glenda Turner, Neva Sexton, Violet Bechtol, Jamie Gosnell, Revonda Clinton, Jane Sentelle, Susan Warshaw, Debbie Massey, Janice Black, and Lori Caruso; nephews, Hoyt Sprinkle, Dean Welch, Roger Payne, Keith Green, Marq Green, Matthew Green, Phillip Green, Greg Green, Kenneth Garrett and Phil Black; 48 great nieces and nephews plus 16 great great nieces and nephews. Ruth graduated from Red Oak High School where she loved playing basketball and then went on to graduate from Blanton’s Business College with a degree in Bookkeeping and Executive Secretarial Science. She was an accomplished and respected Bookkeeper for Morgan Brothers Office Supplies, Hadley Corporation, Freck Radio and Supplies and Hoyle Office Supplies. Ruth took great pride in her appearance and was always dressed stylishly and neatly. In her spare time, she took many elderly community members to doctor’s appointments and grocery shopping, loved her time teaching pre-school and music at Flat Creek Baptist Church, of which she was a member. She served many years as a member and then President for the Jupiter Fire Department Auxiliary. Throughout her life, she was active in and held leadership positions in Eastern Star, Amaranth, Sunday School and music events at her church. She also dedicated herself as the primary caretaker for her Mother in the last year of her Mother’s life. In addition Ruth was an active member of the Salem Methodist Church Quilters Club and an Officer and former President in the Red Oak School Alumni Association for which she organized reunions. Her funeral service will be held at 2:30 p.m., Sunday, May 22, 2017, in the Chapel of West Funeral Home, 17 Merrimon Ave., Weaverville, with Reverend Stanley Peek and her nephew, Dr. Keith Green officiating. Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery, Marshall. The family will receive friends 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Saturday at the funeral home. Ruth loved flowers and flowers are welcome. For those who desire, condolences may be offered to the family under Ruth’s obituary at www.WestFamilyFuneralServices.com.