Ruth Barge Brown

Ruth Barge Brown was born on August 16, 1926, in DeFuniak Springs, Florida, to the late Effie Campbell Barge
and the late Elbert Barge. She accepted Christ at an early age and continued to grow in her relationship with the
Lord throughout her life. She married the late Hamilton Brown, (deceased) in 1947 and Rev. Arthur Mallard
(Deceased) in 1959.
Ruth graduated from Tivoli High School in DeFuniak Springs, FL, and was certified as a Master Cosmetologist by
Lady Ethel's Beauty College, Panama City, FL. As a budding entrepreneur, Ruth owned and operated Mallard
Beauty Shop and Supply for several years and did the hair for noted celebrities such as Tina Turner, Bobby Blue
Bland, and James Brown. With a passion for helping the underserved, Ruth gained employment with the State of
Alabama Department of Mental Health - Albert P. Brewer Development Center, where she served as a Mental
Health Social Worker and Resident Advocate Associate. After serving for more than 30 years in this capacity, she
retired in 1990. Retirement allowed Ruth to enjoy time with her family and travel in and out of the country. She
relocated from Mobile, AL to Atlanta, GA in 2016
Ruth lived each day in acknowledgment of God's presence in her life. She raised her family to trust and believe
that God never fails and would always offer the words "This too shall pass" as her words of uplift. To know her was
to love her and she treated everyone as a close friend. She loved to tell jokes and was always the "light" in the
room. She carried the family trait of having the "gift of gab" and could keep a conversation going for hours as she
shared stories about life in DeFuniak Springs. She loved her children dearly and that love grew with the addition of
grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. We count it a blessing to carry her in our hearts
as the foundation of our family.
Ruth was preceded in death by her eldest son, Ronald O. Brown, and eldest daughter, Beverly D. Matthews, and
Siblings, James Barge, Elbert Barge, and J.D. Barge.
She leaves to Cherish her beautiful memory; Her adoring son, V. Hamilton Brown (Barbara); loving Daughter,
Tangela Y. McFarlane, Atlanta, GA; Siblings, Barbara Gipson, Davenport, FL; Jesse Barge, Vera Randolph and Gloria
Riley (Paul) Panama City, FL; Son-In-Laws, Leon S. Matthew, Vince A. McFarlane, Jr., Atlanta, GA; Daughter -In-Law,
Grace Brown; Seven Grandsons, Steven J. Brown, Roderick C. Brown, Darius L. Matthews, Corey L. Matthews;
Vincent A. McFarlane, III, Nicholas A. McFarlane, and Xavier A. McFarlane, Atlanta, GA; Two Granddaughters,
Mashonda D. Johnson (Terrence), Tiah Williams, Tallahassee, FL; Five bonus Grandchildren, Gloria Matthews,
Marchelle Belle, Anthony Robinson, Chicago, Illinois; D'Angelo (Nicole) Parker, Atlanta, Georgia; and Devonna
(Terrance) Andrews-Rose, Katy Texas; Seven Great-Grandchildren, LeJada Jiles, Shacorria Matthews, William
Matthews, Atlanta Georgia; Kayjah Matthews, of Houma, Louisiana; Lillie (Dewayne) Rogers, Fairbanks, Alaska;
and Talia and Thomas Johnson; Four Great-Great-grandchildren, Jayden Jiles, Braylee, and Brooklyn Clemons, of
Atlanta, Georgia; and Sekani Matthews, Houma, Louisiana;
Special sentiments of love and appreciation to Dr. Robert McGinley, Barbara Spencer, Sarah Silas, Melanie, and
Lisa Few, daughters of special friend Moses Few (deceased), and a host of Cousins, Nieces, Nephews, and Friends.