Ruthie Mae Smith

Ruthie Mae Smith was born on September 24, 1945, in Green Pond, South Carolina, to the late Franklin and Isabell Jenkins. On November 28, 2025, just two months after joyfully celebrating her 80th birthday, Ruthie peacefully transitioned from this life to be with her Heavenly Father.

Ruthie spent her early years in Green Pond, where she graduated from Colleton County High School. At the age of 18, she moved to Ohio to live with her eldest brother, Nathaniel Washington. Shortly after arriving in Ohio, she began working at Xerox Education Publications. It was there that she met the love of her life, Harold L. Smith. They courted, fell in love, and their strong bond endured even through Harold’s deployment to the Vietnam War. The two were joined in holy matrimony on January 4, 1969. Their union was blessed with two children, Sean and Harolyn. Ruthie and Harold shared more than 40 beautiful years of marriage until Harold’s passing on November 21, 2010.

Ruthie later worked at The Ohio State University, where she dedicated over 20 years of service before retiring. Retirement allowed her to fully enjoy spending time with family and friends, as well as indulging in her favorite pastimes: bingo and trips to the casino.

Raised in the Catholic faith, Ruthie’s spiritual journey continued after her move to Columbus. She began attending Triedstone Missionary Baptist Church with her best friend, Joan Spencer. After hearing the powerful preaching of Reverend Jerome H. Ross, she chose to be baptized and become a member. She remained a faithful member of Triedstone for more than 45 years and served on the Usher Board for a period of time.

Ruthie was a soft-spoken woman, but had no problem telling you how she felt in her own special way. She had a kind heart, a giving spirit, and a willingness to help anyone in need. She was known for her “Famous Fried Chicken” and for every family occasion and road trip, she was required to bring her special fried chicken along.

The “R” in Ruthie stands for Resilience. She was resilient throughout all of her health challenges and medical adversities, such as diabetes and heart disease. She was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when she was 18 years old (as she frequently reminded everyone). Despite these adversities, she lived a full and blessed 80 years. To God Be the Glory! The “S” in Smith stands for Strong, for she remained strong in her faith and in her fight until the very end.

Ruthie was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband, Harold; sisters, Dorothea Mae Jenkins, Francena Smith, Mildred Mack, and Mary Lee Jenkins;  brother, Herbert Lee Jenkins; and sisters-in-law, Jessie Mae Jenkins, Barbara Ann Washington, and Charlene Jenkins.

She leaves to cherish her memory: her son, Sean Smith; her daughter, Harolyn (Robert) Joyce; her grandson, Keino Smith; and her beloved grand-puppy, Rocky Joyce, all of Columbus, OH. She is also survived by her sisters Luvenia (Bernard) Jenkins-Cross of Green Pond, SC, and Rubina (Rufus) Roberts of Walterboro, SC; brothers Nathaniel Washington of Columbus, OH, Franklin (Joann) Jenkins of Walterboro, SC, John (Mamie) Jenkins and James Frederick Jenkins, both of Green Pond, SC; sisters-in-law Geraldine Jenkins of Walterboro, SC, Gloria Freeman of Columbus, OH, and Betty Brown of Keyser, WV; brothers-in-law Robert Smith of Keyser, WV, Bud Smith of Chicago, IL, and Albert Smith of Charleston, SC; her lifelong best friend, Joan Spencer; special niece Natalie Washington-Williams; caregivers Tina Radford and Darlene Marshall; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and many cherished friends who will forever love and miss her dearly.