Ruth A. Farmer

Ruth Alma Jones Farmer was born to Lila B. Ward Jones and James A. Jones I on March 1, 1926 in Tarboro, North Carolina. She was their beloved only child who would make her presence felt where ever she was in her life.

Ruth A received her education at the Perry School, a Parochial institution, and the W. A. Pattillo School, a public school, both in Tarboro. At an early age she attended Sunday School with her grandmother, Caroline Jones, at St. Paul AME Zion Church where she sang on the choir which broadcasted on the radio.

She married Richard Taylor in 1944 and moved to Norfolk, VA.  During her time in Norfolk, she worked at the Norfolk General Hospital.

She accepted Christ as her personal Savior at an early age, joining the Eastern Star Baptist Church in 1945 and was baptized in the Tar River where she came up shouting.  When moving to New York City in 1946, Ruth attended Abyssinian Baptist Church under the Pastorate of Reverend Adam Clayton Powell, Sr. She enjoyed going to the Apollo Theatre and dancing at the Savoy Ballroom where performers such as Billy Eckstein and Count Basie provided the entertainment.

In 1951 Ruth A moved back to Tarboro and united with her childhood sweetheart, Henry R. Farmer. While back in Tarboro she worked at Gray’s Café, owned and operated by a close friend. Upon her return to Tarboro, Ruth A. was known as the town’s Fashion Plate, always dressed to the top in her fashionable and stylish apparel with matching heels, jewelry, hat and gloves. This love of fashion lasted a lifetime!  Additional interests and hobbies included dancing, cooking, hat making, event planning, and decorating.

Ruth A married the love of her life, Henry R. Farmer on February 10,1953. She then moved to Baltimore and worked at the German Old Age Home and The Prince George’s County Public Schools Cafeteria Manager from which she retired in 1986. She carried these special culinary skills over to family and friends’ events with her delicious prepared foods.   “O Taste and See”!  During their 65 years of marriage, Ruth and Henry enjoyed the love of family and the joy that laughter brought being together. The Gift of Gab was uniquely bestowed when gathered with both of them.  Ruth A loved sharing family history, stories, happenings and special events that she recalled and experienced with her beloved family through the generations. She was active in The Elks Lodge- Daughter of Elk, Eastern Star Prince Hall, and the Notable Ladies Social Club.

During her early years in Baltimore Ruth A attended Holy Bibleway Baptist Church under the Pastorate of Rev. Thomas B. Scott, where she sang on the choir.  This is where she met Laura & George Hunt and Best Friend Bernice Scott/Bernice Watkins. They all then went to Salem Baptist Church and then New Baptist Church until Rev. Hurt founded Garden of Prayer Baptist Church.  Ruth A joined Garden of Prayer and remained there until her death.  At GOP she served in many capacities: Church Treasurer, Pastor’s Aide President, President of Deaconess Board, Trustee, Senior Choir, Mistress of Ceremonies, Fashion Coordinator, Women’s Day Chairperson, Homecoming Chairperson, Food Coordinator for Homegoing Celebrations, Pastoral Anniversary Committee and the Mother’s Board. She loved her church and was faithful in attending and supportive in its vision and missions. Her favorite Scriptures included Psalm 24 & Psalm 91.

Ruth A completed her journey and quietly departed this life on Tuesday,  March 14, 2023 at home. She was preceded in death her parents, her husband, daughter Ceciley B. Sanders, son, Henry R. Farmer, Jr., best friend Bernice Watkins, and Caregiver, Delores (Dee) Jennings. Her beautiful life will forever be celebrated in the hearts of her devoted love ones. She is survived by daughter, Patricia V. Griffin, sons, James A. Jones II, Harold V. Farmer and Kenneth I. Farmer, 18 grandchildren, a host of great-grandchildren, 7 great-great grandchildren, daughters-in-law, Jacqueline Farmer and Sarah Farmer, God son, Brian Brown, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors, church family, friends, and devoted Caregivers: Arnetta Wade, Clara Johnson (Booty), Toni Myles, Shirley Cousin, Devon Levine and Carlos Robinson.