Ruth Joe Washington, widow of Walter Lee Washington, was born on August 5, 1937 to the late Deacon Charlie Joe and Deaconess Clara Bell Samuel Joe in Lee County, SC. She departed this earthly life for her heavenly reward on Sunday, January 20, 2019 at Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital in Sumter, SC.

She was educated in the public schools of Lee County and attended Dennis High School. At an early age, she became a member of Galilee Missionary Baptist Church in Mayesville, SC and after marriage, she became a member of Unionville AME Church in St. Charles, SC. At the time of her passing, she was a member of Kingdom M-Pact Worship Center in Sumter, SC.

Ruth was employed by Campbell Soup Industries for twenty-two years and later worked for Gold Kist Industries for five years until her retirement.

On January 9, 1959, she was united in Holy Matrimony to Walter Lee Washington and one son was raised in this loving union.

Ruth is survived by one son, Jerry (Teresa) Washington of Sumter, SC; her brothers: Jimmy (Norma Jean) Joe of Ft. Pierce, Fl, Malachi (Nuria Morgan) Joe of Rossville, TN, and Rev. Charles (Sharon) Joe of Sumter, SC; one sister, Evelyn :Birdie Joe of Largo, MD; a stepdaughter, Juanita Plowden McGainey of St. Charles, SC; her grandchildren: Tinnetta Sims, Jacqueline Washington, Nena Washington, Jerry M. Washington, and Tori Washington; four great-grandchildren; a special cousin, Clarabell Samuel Calliste; a special niece, Shirley Fitzgerald; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

In addition to her parents and husband, Ruth was preceded in death by several siblings: brothers, Charlie Joe, Jr. and Samuel Joe; sisters: Etoy (Peggy) Joe, twin sister Ruby Cain, Rebecca Speed, Geneva Hudson; and a stepson, Johnnie Lee Ellerbe.

Public Viewing will be held on Thursday, January 24, 2019 from 2-6pm at Job's Mortuary.

Mrs. Washington will be placed in the church on Friday, January 25, 2019 at 11am for viewing until the hour of service.

Funeral Services will be held at 12pm on Friday, January 25, 2019 at Salem Chapel & Heritage Center 101 S. Salem Avenue Sumter, SC 29150, with Pastor Linda Speed, Eulogist and Rev. Charlie Joe Officiating.

Interment will follow in Hillside Memorial Park.

Family will receive friends at the home of her son, 2240 Presidio Drive Sumter, SC 29154.