Ruth Yvonne Barrington Ash

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Mrs. Ruth Yvonne Barrington Ash.
Ruth Yvonne Barrington Ash was born January 5, 1942, in Tallahassee, Florida to Jessica Louise White and Eddie Barrington. She transitioned to be with the Lord peacefully and surrounded by loved ones, October 22, 2025.
Ruth preferred being called Yvonne and was definitely appropriately named. She was a truly virtuous woman, just as her Biblical namesake. She loved family, devotedly, and never hesitated to help when needed or asked. She was generous, and thoughtful and giving to a fault. She wasn't, however, ever afraid to speak and use her voice to share her honest opinions and thoughts. Her Father always reminded her that she was a QUEEN, no matter what this world might have tried to make her believe, otherwise. Her Mother taught her to never, ever be afraid of anyone or anything and to stand righteous should she ever have to fight. Yvonne's parents, both instrumental participants in the Civil Rights Movement, taught her the importance of choosing battles wisely, be it with her mind or her mean left hook/right hook combination.
She met her eternal sweetheart, Warrant Officer (CW3) Elmer Ash when they were 11 years old, however, their love story blossomed at Lincoln High School where she reigned as Senior Prom QUEEN. They were soulmates for 73 years and enjoyed 62 years of marital union.
She was a committed teacher and educator dedicating her life to making children know their worth in this world and to embrace their innate unique gifts and talents. Her passion for teaching was inspired by her desire to teach her Grandmother Eliza White to read and write. It was her Grandmother's constant reminder, "one day you are going to be somebody" that fueled her never quit, never give up mentality.
Although she was a woman of small physical stature; her spiritual and mental strengths were far beyond what most saw, only on the surface. She possessed the ability to see people, truly see them, (for who they truly were) and were capable of being. Her special gift was the ability to encourage children/people to see and believe in self.
Her affinity for art led her to pursue a degree in Art Education at FAMU with Masters studies at Austin Peay University, in Tennessee. She was well versed in many mediums including acrylics, oil paints, photography, sculpting, charcoal, glass art, jewelry design, abstract tiles, mosaics, sewing, weaving, papier mache', tapestries and literary arts. Her art was once commissioned by the Mayor of Birmingham, Alabama. As Co-Owner/Director of First Steps School & Sankofa Academy in SE Atlanta, Georgia, she wrote literally hundreds of plays for her students.
Upon graduating from FAMU, Yvonne and Elmer made several moves nationally and internationally as Elmer rose in ranks within the 82nd Airborne Division of the United States Army. Their first-born, and only daughter Yolanda was born in Ft. Campbell, Kentucky. Zavier, their second child was born in Carlsruhe, Germany. Their youngest son, Toland was born in Fayetteville, NC.
In 1977, Yvonne and Elmer moved their family to Decatur, Georgia and purchased a small daycare center with 18 children that, with hard work and determination, grew to 300+ students over the 27 years they were sole-proprietors. Their business was well respected in the community and became synonymous with educational excellence. Yvonne's school was featured in an ABC Documentary, "Growing Up Black In White America". The dedicated work she and her staff poured into their students over the years was recognized and praised by many in the community at large, including Mayor Andrew Young, Hosea Williams, Tupac Shakur, Arrested Development and many others. Yvonne's school was awarded many grants, donations and in-kind gifts of labor by parents and the extended village supporting and protecting the children.
Upon retirement, Yvonne and Elmer traveled some, but the majority of the past twenty years was spent fighting Alzheimer's and dementia, and other personal challenges. She and Elmer moved back home to Tallahassee in 2021.
Yvonne is survived by her three children, Yolanda, Zavier and Toland; eight grandchildren, Zadiyah, Jelani, Hydden, Meelah, Rhayne, Jaxon, Violette, and Deveon; one great-granddaughter, Suriyah Roze (Kenneth K. Moore); and a host of other relatives and friends.
Yvonne's presence here on Earth will surely be missed. She earned her rest and eternal peace. The past few years were extremely challenging for her and those who love her. Although her mind was changed in many ways by her maladies, she maintained the creative genius mindset that she always possessed!
Graveside service will be 10 A.M. MONDAY, November 3, 2025 at the Tallahassee National Cemetery.
Viewing will be from 4 P.M. to 6 P.M. Thursday, October 30, 2025 at Strong & Jones Funeral Home.
On behalf of the staff and management of Strong & Jones Funeral Home, Inc., we would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the family of Mrs. Ruth Yvonne Barrington Ash.