Ruth Dorsey Holmes Cameron

Loretta Ruth Dorsey Cameron, born in Meridian, MS, passed away on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, in Pensacola, FL.

Ruth dedicated her life to education, leadership, and advocacy. She graduated from The University of Southern Mississippi and later earned her master’s degree from the University of West Florida. In 1965, she began her teaching career at Jim Allen Elementary School, where she would go on to shape the lives of countless students. In 1974, she supervised Jim Allen’s Dropout Prevention Program, further demonstrating her commitment to ensuring that every child had the opportunity to succeed.

Her excellence in the classroom did not go unnoticed. Ruth was named Teacher of the Year at Jim Allen Elementary in 1988 and was subsequently honored as Escambia County Teacher of the Year in 1989. That same period marked the beginning of her influential leadership within the Escambia County Education Association (ECEA). Elected to the Board of Directors in 1988, she became President of the ECEA in 1989. In 1991, she was elected President of the Florida Education Association, where her voice and leadership impacted educators across the state.

Among her many accomplishments, Ruth served as the lead plaintiff in a landmark lawsuit against then-Governor Jeb Bush and the Florida Legislature. The suit challenged the diversion of public tax dollars to private and religious schools. Ruth prevailed in the Florida Supreme Court and again in the United States Supreme Court, a testament to her unwavering dedication to public education and her courage in standing for what she believed was right.

Ruth retired from teaching in 2000 but remained deeply engaged in local and state education issues. In 2002, she reconnected with an old friend, Don Cameron, a fellow educator and former Executive Director of the National Education Association in Washington, D.C. After traveling the world together and rediscovering their friendship, they fell in love. While in Paris, they decided to marry and were wed in 2005 - a beautiful chapter in a life filled with purpose and joy.

Ruth’s life was defined by service, decisive and empathetic leadership, and an unwavering belief in the transformative power of education. She had a rare gift for connecting with others and advocating on their behalf. Her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Luther and Loretta Dorsey of Hattiesburg, MS.

Ruth is survived by her husband of 21 years, Don Cameron; sons and stepchildren, Stan Holmes (Toni) of Pace, FL, Allan Holmes (Molly) of Pace, FL, Amanda Cameron Roberts (Jeff) of Arlington, VA, and Ben Cameron (Selena) of Farnham, England; her brother, Bobby Dorsey (Carol) of Pensacola, FL and her niece, Ann Holman (Mark). Her legacy continues through her six grandchildren, Bobby Holmes (Kelsey), Matt Holmes, Max Roberts, Billy Cameron, Evan Cameron and Jake Cameron; and three great-grandchildren, Emalynn Holmes, David Holmes, and Alex Holmes; as well as a beloved group of friends whom she considered family.

A visitation will be held from 10:00am until a Memorial Service begins at 11:00am Monday, March 2, 2026, at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel.

The family extends special thanks to the nurses, caretakers, and staff of Willowbrooke Court at Azalea Trace in Pensacola, Florida, for the compassionate and exceptional care they provided throughout her stay.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Escambia County Public Schools Foundation, JE Hall Center, 30 E. Texar St., Pensacola, FL 32503.