Dortha Jean Ruggs

Minister Dortha Jean Ruggs, known affectionately as Dot, has answered the call of God. A beacon of kindness in her community and a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and teacher, passed away peacefully on August 23, 2024, at her home in Shalimar, Florida. Born on February 26, 1952, in York, Alabama, to Nathan and Leatha Tarvin, Dortha was the fourth of seven children growing up in a nurturing environment that shaped her into a caring, giving, and loving woman.
Dortha graduated from West End High School, York, Alabama in 1970, before advancing to Alabama State University in Montgomery, Alabama, where in 1974 she received her B.S. in Physical Education and in 1975, her M.Ed. in Counseling. Her professional life was marked by a significant contribution to the communities that she lived in as a military spouse. She provided childcare services starting in 1977 and officially went into business for herself as the owner of Joyful Hearts Preschool & Daycare in 1990. For forty-seven years, she has shaped the hearts and minds of dozens of children and families. Dortha dedicated her life to nurturing young minds and supporting families in her communities.
Dortha gave her life to the Lord at an early age. A devoted churchgoer all her life, she was a founding member of Word of Faith Ministries twenty-three years ago. She was ordained in 2006 as a minister. Dortha was deeply committed to her faith, and it showed in her words and actions. She also dedicated her time as a certified marriage counselor sharing her knowledge and experience with young couples. Dortha enjoyed reading her Bible, volunteering, and fellowshipping with her church family, reflecting her dedication to service and spiritual growth. She was a wonderful cook and baker, and she loved making gifts of her cakes. Dortha made sure to stay in close contact with family and friends; she was always reaching out.
She is preceded in death by her father, Nathan; mother, Leatha; grandson, Dequain; sister, Mary; and brother, Joe.
Dortha leaves behind a loving family who always reflect on her cherished memory: her Husband of forty-eight years, Hubert; daughter, Tasheka Ruggs; sons, DeWayne Ruggs and Sean (Melicia) Williams; and grandchildren, (Sean) Jade, Isaiah, Jacob, and Amber; four siblings, Robert (Barbara) Tarvin of Bessemer, AL, Mary Norris of Bessemer, AL, Lillie (John) Crockett of York, AL, and Barbara Butler of Atlanta, Goergia; three aunts, Alma Travis, Barbara Tarvis and Pauline Lake; two uncles, Robert (Loretta) Lake and Albert V. (Rosetta) Gaines; eight sisters-in-law; four brothers-in-law; twenty-seven dedicated nieces and nephews; three god-daughters; and a host of great nieces and nephews and cousins, as well as, close friends, Deborah Gordon, Dollie Pugh, Ollie Goodwin, Sharon Rothwell, Linda Daye, Susie Sawyer and Pam Thomas.
The viewing is being held on Friday, August 30, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., at Davis Watkins Funeral Home located on 113 Racetrack Road Northeast in Fort Walton Beach, Florida and via Livestream at www.daviswatkins.com. The funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 31, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. at Beulah First Baptist Church, located at 109 McGriff Street Northeast in Fort Walton Beach, FL.
The burial will take place at Barrancas National Cemetery located at 1 Cemetery Road, Naval Air Station Pensacola, FL 32508 on Monday, September 2, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. and via Livestream at www.daviswatkins.com. Please meet at Olive Baptist Church, Warrington Campus, 103 W. Winthrop Avenue, Pensacola, FL 32507, at 10:00 a.m. to join the procession and attend the burial.
The family requests in lieu of flowers, consider a donation to Word of Faith Ministries in Dortha's name at P.O. Box 146, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32549.