Deaconess Ruth Walker

Generous, compassionate, and loving, Deaconess Ruth Clark Walker lived a faith-centered life rich in family and friends. Fondly known as "Tinka," Ruth was a woman who embodied the principles of her faith. She embraced marriage, motherhood, career, and community with humility, conviction, and commitment. In so doing, she gifted each of us with a role model for how to live an authentic and heart-centered life. Ruth warmly and quietly welcomed every moment as a gift and every person as a friend. She listened with sincerity, saw the best in everyone, and made others feel they were the most interesting person she had ever met. Her profound wisdom and powerful prayers afforded many safe harbor, especially when faced with life's uncertainties and pain. When in Ruth's good company, hardships were lessened, and every joy elevated. Cherished by all who were blessed to know her, Ruth will long be remembered and ever so missed.

1954 was the year the nation learned to "Rock Around The Clock" and that "Father Knows Best." Young people across America embraced the new sounds that came with the recording of Elvis Presley's first album as well as M&M's Chocolate Candies' "melt in your mouth and not in your hand," sweet delights. As more and more housewives left the home and entered the workforce, the economy continued to grow, as did the number of convenience items like TV Dinners and more and more fast-food restaurants. It was a time of robust change and much hope for the future. Nowhere was there more hope than in the home of Mr. William Wallace Clark and the late Mrs. Regina Faye St. John Clark as they welcomed their daughter, Ruth, into their family on May 14.

Reared by her Aunt Mary and Uncle Lawrence Copeland, Ruth and her sister Belinda grew up with their cousins as siblings. She attended the Charlotte County Public Schools, where she enjoyed being a student. At an early age, she accepted Christ as her personal Savior and joined the White Oak Grove Baptist Church, where she celebrated her faith for the rest of her life.

In time, Ruth was blessed to be introduced by a mutual friend to her sweetheart, David K. Walker. The pair fell in love and married on September 28, 1991, at White Oak Grove Baptist Church, Phenix, Virginia. The happy couple centered their home on the firm foundation of their faith and dedicated themselves to their family's good care. Ruth relished in motherhood and did all she could to ensure her sons, Jerrod and David Jr., were well provided for.

Ruth's love and support for the Charlotte County schools did not end with her graduation. When her children attended the schools, her influence was felt both physically and financially. On November 11, 2001, she received a We Teach The Children; Whole Village Award from the Virginia Education Association (VEA). She was a member of the Randolph-Henry High School Band Boosters for over 15 years. Her support was acknowledged on May 8, 2007, when she was presented an award for her many years of outstanding service and devotion to the Randolph Henry High School Band Boosters.

Though soft-spoken, Ruth was sought by relatives and friends for advice or just a listening ear. She was always thinking of others and listened in a way that reassured she truly understood what people were saying. Her wise counsel, spiritual guidance, and prayers inspired all to feel better and to have faith in God's will. An unwavering example of how to live one's faith, for many, Ruth was an earthly angel who always made everyone feel special. One of the ways she did this was by calling on their birthday and letting them know they are loved.

Ruth loved her church and was perhaps one of its most active members. This was amazing considering her lack of mobility and, in most recent years, performing her duties and support from a wheelchair. For over 20 years, Ruth served as the church clerk. She also supported the church as a member of the Pastor's Aide Auxiliary, serving as president; a member of the Missionary Society and Sunday School; treasurer of the White Oak Grove Trip Committee; member of the Gospel, Mass and Senior Choirs. With great passion, she initiated sick and shut-in senior activities and outreach. She was also a promoter of Christmas bag distribution. Ruth organized various appreciation services, including the church's Annual Women's Day Program. If anyone needed information about the church, she was a "living archive" who generously shared all that she knew. In honor of her dedicated service, The White Oak Grove Baptist Church gave her an Appreciation Service. During the service, she received plaques from the Youth Church and the Missionary honoring her legacy.

Sadly, Ruth's son, Jerrod, passed away on September 18, 2003. In the face of her grief, Ruth graciously leaned into her faith, family, and church community for strength. Once again, she inspired others by example. Regardless of the hardships she faced, Ruth's indomitable spirit and faith in the Lord continued to shine.

Though the world surely feels less certain in the absence of Ruth's bright and beautiful spirit, may we find comfort in carrying her legacy forward. With each moment we welcome a stranger as a friend, give of our time and talents, envelop our loved ones in prayer, or lift our voices in song, we celebrate the many ways Ruth gifted the world. In this way, we keep her spirit alive and inspiring others as she so inspired us.

May we also find comfort in the words her family so lovingly share:

May I Go?

May I go now? Don't you think the time is right?

May I say good-bye to pain-filled days and sometimes endless nights?

I've lived my life and done my best to show the Christ in me,

So can I take that step beyond and set my spirit free.

I didn't want to go first; I fought with all my might,

But Jesus seems to draw me now, to His warm and loving light.

I want to go, I really do; it's difficult to stay,

But I tried as best I could to live just one more day.

To give you time to be with me, and to share your love and fears;

I know you're sad and full of grief, I see it in your tears.

I won't be far, I promise that, and hope you'll always know . . .

That my spirit will be close to you, wherever you may go.

Thank you for loving me, you know I love you too.

That's why it's hard to say good-bye and end this life with you.

But there's no better time than now, for all of us to pray

That the peace of God be upon your hearts as I go home today.

So as the days pass by, just remember this one thing.

I am in the presence of the Lord and singing praises to the King.

On January 13, 2021, our Heavenly Father called from labor to reward Deaconess Ruth Clark Walker.

She leaves to cherish loving memories, her husband, David K. Walker, Sr. of the home; a son, David K. Walker, Jr. (Jimesha) of Charlotte Court House; her father, Mr. William W. Clark of Phenix; sisters, Belinda Clark of Phenix and Elnora Davis (Ray) of Jacksonville, NC; brothers, William Glenn Clark of San Antonio, TX, Rodney Hester of New York, and William Carter of Jackson, MS; cousins with whom she was raised as brothers and sisters, Larry Copeland, Tony Copeland, and Mark Copeland; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her son, Jerrod D. Spencer, and her mother, Regina St. John Clark.

The Family Professional Services Entrusted To Jeffress Funeral Home, Inc. Charlotte Court House, Virginia (434) 542-5191 www.JeffressFuneralHome.com