Mrs. Ruth Bellinger Smith
Passed 10/21/2019
Mrs. Ruth Margaret Bellinger Smith was born on September 7, 1933 in Orangeburg, SC. She was the eleventh child born to the late Edward and Marie Bellinger.
At the age of thirteen, Ruth Margaret met the love of her life Willmon Smith. After dating for several years, they were united in Holy matrimony in October 1,1953 in Orangeburg, SC. Shortly after marriage, Ruth and Willman relocated to New York to begin a new life together. They were able to purchase their first home in October 1958. From this union two girls: Sandra Serece and Wandra Nicole were born. Ruth and Willman shared over 64 years together.
During her early childhood years, Ruth was educated in the public schools of Orangeburg, SC. She always demonstrated a passion and love for children. She recognized this passion and decided to pursue her studies in early childhood education. She then attended South Carolina State University, Long Island University and completed her studies at Queens College earning a Bachelor and Master degree in early childhood education.
Ruth was always hard working and ambitious. She worked at B’Altman and Company on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan as an assistant to the buyer. She also worked at P.S.37Q, where her two daughters attended. Her last job was at Laurelton Springfield Daycare, where she worked up until retirement.
Ruth was well loved by many of her students. Her students would always be so delighted to see her whenever they saw her in the shopping mall, supermarket and various other places. Ruth also participated in many support groups like the NAACP, Democratic Club, PTA and various other groups. She was a steeple of the community.
Ruth accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age. She then attended Jerusalem United Methodist Church. Upon her relocation to New York, she attended and was an associated member and Deacon of the Presbyterian Church in Springfield Gardens, NY. Upon retirement and returning to Orangeburg, Ruth returned to Jerusalem (Edisto Fork United Methodist Church) and continued her Christian walk. She served her church diligently and became the President and then the Vice President of the United Methodist Women. Ruth was a warm-hearted, dedicated Christian woman who loved and supported her church as much as she could.
Ruth’s pastime activities included such things as spending quality time with her family, playing bid whisk, Pokeno, shopping, going to the flea market, watching game shows, baking and decorating cakes, everyone loved her sweet potato pies!
After retirement, Ruth and Willmon relocated “back home” to Orangeburg, SC until she transitioned peacefully receiving her wings on October 21, 2019.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents: Edward and Marie Bellinger; husband, Willmon Smith; daughter, Sandra Etheredge; all nine of her sisters and brothers; and grandson, Christopher Jefferson.
She leaves to cherish her great memories, a loving daughter, Wandra (Wayne) Jefferson; grandchildren: Jessy Etheredge, Emmanuel Brannon, Jr., Isaiah Brannon, Joseph Azevedo, Jordan Jefferson and Nicole Jefferson; one sister, Dorothy Bovian; and a host of nieces, nephew, family and friends.
Friends may call Simmons Funeral Home and Crematory of Orangeburg.