Ruth Savannah Yarborough

Ruth Savannah Ann Yarborough departed this life on November 7, 2025, at UNC Hillsborough Hospital. She was born in Hillsborough, NC on December 17, 1944, to the late Reverend Ervin and Estelle Thompson.

She graduated from Central High School before she relocated to Stamford, CT where she worked as a receptionist for Urban Redevelopment, she married her high school sweetheart, and they started a family having three children.

Ruth was very passionate about educating children and provided home daycare for many children in her family to prepare them for preschool. She also had a huge heart to serve and care for the elderly, which led her to become a Certified Nursing Assistant in the early 90’s. Later in her life, her passion for education led her to become a Paraeducator for Stamford Public Schools where she retired in 2017.

Ruth was a lover of Christ since a little girl. She became an active member of Wilson Memorial Church of God in Christ in Stamford, CT in her early twenties where she was involved in several ministries including the Heavenly Zion Choir, Sunday School and served as the President of the Pastor’s Aid under the leadership of Bishop C. H. Brewer, Jr.

After moving to Bridgeport, CT, she joined Holy Tabernacle COGIC where she was a Church Mother, Sunday School teacher, Prayer & Bible Band teacher and earned her license as an Evangelist Missionary under the leadership of the late Bishop I.W. Holden.

Ruth was the pillar of strength for her entire family. She was affectionately called “Nana Ma” by her grandchildren, and they were her main purpose for living. She was also adopted as “Aunt Ruth” by many young people who admired her and called “Mama Ruth” by many women she mentored. Her steadfast presence, wisdom and guidance will be deeply missed, yet her legacy rooted in love, strength and unwavering faith will continue to shine through all the lives she touched.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory three children, Kilry L. Yarborough (Michelle) of Pennsauken, NJ, Keiah D. Lindsey (Clarence) of Lithonia, GA, and Karlon L. Yarborough of Greensboro, NC; two brothers Phillip Thompson and Samuel Thompson (Carolyn) of Hillsborough, NC, seven sisters, Mary Bennett of Bridgeport, CT, Magdalene Davis of Spring Hill, FL, Sarah Green of Land O Lakes, FL, Esterine Coward of Holly Springs, NC, Aseniah Wallace (Robert) of Myrtle Beach, SC, Rachel Thompson of Greensboro, NC and Michelle Byrd (Mark) of Charlotte, NC, and a host of nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ervin and Estelle Thompson, brothers Joseph, Daniel, David, Mark and Ervin Matthew Thompson and previously married to former husband, Victor G. Yarborough, who preceded her in death.