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Obituary For Ruth London Ingram Lea
Mrs. Ruth London Ingram Lea, passed away Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
Funeral service will be held Saturday, February 28, 2026 11:30am at Providence Baptist Church 1106 Tuscaloos Street Greensboro, North Carolina. Visitation 10:30am.
Burial will follow at Highland Burial Park 3049 North Main Street Danville, Virginia.
Chapter One: Ruth London Ingram Lea transitioned from labor to reward on Wednesday morning, February 18, 2026, at the age of ninety-three concluding the final chapter of the Book of Ruth.
Ruth was born on August 13, 1932, in Danville, Virginia. She was the eldest daughter of the late Mary Anna Adams and Obie Ingram, Sr. She was preceded in death by brothers Clyde Adams, James Bosman, Obie, Jr., and sisters Velma Ingram, Queen Daily, and Kathryn Ingram. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family.
At an early age, she accepted Christ and was baptized into membership at the historic Calvary Baptist Church in Danville. Va. Ruth was educated in the segregated Danville city school system and was a graduate of John M. Langston High School. Aspiring to be an educator, Ruth enrolled in and graduated with honors from Saint Paul’s College in Lawrenceville, Virginia. A member of the class of 1954, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in Education. Ruth was the first of her seventy-five first cousins to attend and graduate from college. During her college years, Ruth shared her beautiful soprano voice as a member and soloist in the Saint Paul’s College Choral Society touring choir under the direction of the renowned late Dr. Roland Allison.
Chapter Two: After college, Ruth returned to the Danville area and began a career as a schoolteacher. At that time, she taught in a one-room schoolhouse in rural Pittsylvania County developing lesson plans for multiple grades. In the early 1960’s she was transferred to Central Elementary School in Chatham where she remained until 1980. Committed to the pedagogy of education, Ruth obtained a master's degree in education from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia. Her areas of interest and expertise included Physical Education and Social Studies. Ruth Lea was known to be a “no nonsense” teacher who understood the importance of discipline and proper classroom decorum to facilitate education. Ruth retired from the Pittsylvania County School System with 30 years of service in 1983.
After her return to Danville from college, Ruth met the love of her life and subsequently married the late Rev. William Lea. To that union was born one daughter, Sabrena. Ruth in her role as a Pastor’s wife supported her husband as he pastored Baptist churches in Virginia and rural North Carolina until his untimely death in 1994 having served his last church Springfield for 25 years. Although she worked full-time, Ruth always found time to support the church and was willing to serve whenever needed; be it singing in the choir, collaborating with missionaries, teaching Sunday School, or preparing food for special events. She loved and was loved by the people she and Rev. Lea were called to serve. Rev. and Mrs. Lea enjoyed welcoming members, family, and friends into their home on a regular basis for meals during the holidays and other times. They had a special brand of hospitality that was appealing to people of all walks of life. In addition to her work in the church, Ruth was a Girl Scout mom, Dance mom, and Band mom. Whenever needed she was a surrogate Mom to any of Sabrena’s friends who needed her support.
Chapter Three: Ruth was an excellent cook and hostess. She could make a sweet potato pie, which was out of this world good. She enjoyed making pickles, damson, and pear preserves to share with her friends and family. A kind of renaissance woman, Ruth enjoyed trying new things she sewed, crocheted, and knitted. Ruth Lea was also an avid fisherman who once landed a 35 lb. catfish, all by herself.
Chapter Four: Ruth was an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and a Silver Star. She was a member of the Virginia Association of Ministers’ Wives and Widows. Ruth loved her family after retirement she was the primary caregiver for her beloved mother who lived to be 98 years old and cared for several other family members. In 2018, Ruth reluctantly relocated to Greensboro, North Carolina to be closer to her daughter. While in Greensboro, she united with Providence Baptist Church where she enjoyed worship and supporting her daughter. Ruth loved traveling with Sabrena to project sites across North Carolina and conferences across the country. She loved going to the beach and doing anything that would bring her in contact with people.
Chapter Five: Ruth's name originates from the Hebrew word meaning 'friend' or 'companion'. Like her name, Ruth was a loyal and trustworthy friend to many. During her life she strived to live a life that reflected God’s love and Proverbs 31 virtue.
Left to cherish her memory and continue her legacy of love are her beloved daughter, Rev. Sabrena Lea. Caregiver nieces Dr. Allethia Ingram, and Ms. Ann Lea who provided care to Ruth when Sabrena traveled along with Keisha (Stevon) Cardwell. God grandsons Marlin Adams and Kaseem (Sara) Harris. Precious god great granddaughters: Wrenlee Grace Harris, Kyli Rice, and Aurilyn Violet Adams. Caregivers Dolores Hudson and Anne Rico. Fifteen surviving first cousins, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins; Olivia Dallas Moore (a best friend of 90 years), sorority sisters, family, and friends.
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Olivia S. Dallas sent Sweet Moments for Ruth London Ingram Lea - February 27, 2026
Ardith Collins sent Sympathy Spray for Ruth London Ingram Lea - February 27, 2026
Ivan Dailey sent Pink Tribute Spray for Ruth London Ingram Lea - February 26, 2026
Lisa Taylor sent Beautiful Dreams for Ruth London Ingram Lea - February 26, 2026
Diane Revel-Woodson sent Living Spirit Dishgarden for Ruth London Ingram Lea - February 25, 2026
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Sabrena,
I was so sorry to learn of your mom's passing.
It was such a treat to finally meet the legend I had known about for so long last summer. I could tell--despite her diminutive size--her personality and character loomed large. Reading her beautiful and inspiring obituary confirmed my impression.
I have also been thinking a lot about you. You were and are an amazing daughter. For as long as I've known you, you have served as a model of what it meant to be both devoted to caregiving and committed to living a rich, full life of your own. I'm sure it was never easy--though you seemed to expertly strike the balance.
I think about our life's work and our shared hope that older adults freely live in full expression of who they are, feel loved and experience a deep sense of belonging within their communities. Your mother served as a living example of what is possible for our elders.
Thinking of you. So much.
Love, Trish : )
PS--Call me next time you come to the beach. : )
Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of your mother. I hope you find strength and comfort in the memories you shared, and in the support of those around you during this difficult time
Dearest daughter, Dr Sabena Lea, As the widow of your mother 's first cousin, Stephen Herbert Womack, I only have fond family memories of how supportive cousin Ruth was to us over the years. I even remember attending church when Rev. Lea was pastoring years ago. Everytime we came to Danville we were treated warmly with love and good food. A table was always prepared for us. Ruth clearly lived up to her biblical name. She also visited us here in Paterson, NJ on various occasions. Lastly, my daughter Denise and I will cherish sharing an Adams family Reunion picture with you both at the one day picnic held about 3 yrs.ago. She will be missed!.¹
Sabrena, I'm sending you love and strength as you cherish the memories of your dear mother and wishing you peace and comfort in the days ahead.
Sabrena, I was so sad to hear about your mom's passing. Your dedication to her care was a wonderful example to anyone with aging parents. I know you will miss her greatly.
Rev. Lea and family. You have my deepest sympathy in your loss. Your mother must have truly been a treasure to all and contributed so much to the world during her time here.
Sabrina , I was sad to hear about the loss of your mom. My prayers and condolences goes out to you and your family. May God comfort you during this difficult time.
Sabrena, I was sad to hear about the passing of your mother. May GOD comfort you during this difficult time. I will always remember her as one of those strong black ladies. I am blessed to have had the opportunity meet her.
Sabrena and Family, I share my sincerest condolences for the loss of your dear Mother and our Soror. Our families have been one since your Mother and her sister, Cat, sang in my uncle's choirs (re: Dr. Roland L. Allison) at Saint Paul's College, Lawrenceville, Virginia. Our family's bond was formed and has never been broken. What a joy it was to see you both last year at our AKA Regional Conference in Richmond, Virginia. I shall cherish that moment forever. I stand with you today and all of the days ahead. You have a rich legacy of remembrances to keep in your spirit and heart.
Sabrena, I am so deeply sorry for the loss of your mother. There are no words that can truly ease that kind of pain, but I want you to know that I am holding you in my thoughts and sending you my prayers, love, and strength during this incredibly difficult time.
Sabrena, I am so deeply sorry for the loss of your mother. There are no words that can truly ease that kind of pain, but I want you to know that I am holding you in my thoughts and sending you my prayers, love, and strength during this incredibly difficult time.
Sabrena - Sending my sincerest condolences to you and your family for the loss of your mother. I had the pleasure of meeting your mother once and she was a joy. I hope you find comfort in the love and support surrounding you. Know that you're in my thoughts.
Sabrena, know how close you were with your mom sending condolences Nichole Paige
We're so sorry for your loss our condolences and prayers are with you and your family
Sabrena, My condolences on the loss of your beloved mother. The bond you shared was truly special. May the memories you hold close remind you that her love remains with you always. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Soror Sabrena, Losing your mother is a pain that words can never fully touch and knowing she was also our Soror makes this loss even deeper for our sisterhood. Please know that you are not carrying this alone. We are wrapping you in love, prayer, and strength. May you find comfort in the beautiful legacy she leaves behind in you, in your family, and in the sisterhood she helped shape. Her light does not dim. It continues through you
Hello Sabrena...please accept my sincerest condolences on the passing of your beloved mother. May she rest in peace. I pray comfort for you and the entire Lea family.
My sincere condolences to you and your family in the loss of your Lovely Mother. I enjoyed meeting and speaking with her at your retirement celebration. May God's love surround you during this difficult time.
Dear Sabrena - Extending my condolences with deepest warmth and sympathy to you and your family. Thank you for allowing me insight to your beautiful mother-daughter bond over the years, along with her fruitful-life, inspiring endurance and light! She's lives on in you, you are an inspiration and sending my love.
Sabrena, I was sadden to hear this. I met your mother at your retirement celebration. She was a delight, sweet to be around. I just fell in love with her. I know she will be missed. So sorry for your loss. With Sympathy!
Sabrena, I would like to express my sincere condolences to you and your family. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Patricia Hill
Dear Sabrena! I am sending my deepest condolences to you and your family during this incredibly difficult time. May you find comfort in the love she gave, the memories you shared, and the support of those who care about you. Wishing you strength, peace, and moments of comfort as you grieve.
Sabrena, I am sorry for your loss. My prayers go out to you and your family during this difficult time. I had the pleasure of seeing your mother and experiencing the beautiful bond that you shared as mother and daughter.
Sabrena, My condolences on the loss of your mother. I only had the pleasure of meeting her once, but it warmed my heart just watching you engage, take care, and often speak so highly of her. My prayers are with you at this difficult time. Take care!
Sabrean, My condolences on the loss of your mother. I only had the pleasure of meeting her once, but it warmed my heart just watching you engage, take care, and often speak so highly of her. My prayers are with you at this difficult time. Take care!
Sabrena, I am so sorry to learn of your mother's passing. You have been such a great caretaker for her. As a woman of God, may your faith comfort you and may the Lord wrap you in His love and bring you peace. I pray each loving memory will soften the grief you feel now, bringing you peace and healing each and every day. You have my deepest and heartfelt sympathy. Edwina White Thompson
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My deepest condolences to the Lea Family. Praying for comfort and strength during this sorrowful time.
I had the opportunity to meet Mrs. Lea on several occasions. Each time I meet her, she was always full of Joy, excited about life, and happy being in the presence of her daughter, Sabrena. I am so grateful to have met you, Mrs.Lea. You were truly and still are a huge inspiration in my life. Rest in peace. WRenia Bratts-Brown
Dear Reverend Sabrena:
Our hearts go out to you today in the loss of your mother. Of course, we know she's resting with the LORD now, and we thank God for her long, fruitful life and for your caregiving as her daughter. We will miss her words of wisdom and her strong, sturdy love for Christ and for people.
You definitely have our sincere, heartfelt prayers and condolences.
Drs. Lovelle & Jacqui Maxwell
Sabrina, condolences and prayers to you and tyour family in the loss of your mother.
Sabrena, my heart goes out to you and your family. I am so happy I had a chance to meet your mom. I will be praying for peace and comfort for all of you during this difficult time"
Sabrena, my heart goes out to you and your family. I am so happy I had a chance to meet your mom. I will be praying for peace and comfort for all of you during this difficult time"
Family please know that we are praying for and with you all throughout this season and beyond. May God hold you a little tighter and may the memories bring you peace.
On the behalf of the Lea family we would like to extend our sincere heart felt condolences. Aunt Ruth was a very special lady to us,she truly will be missed. Over the years we have shared so many great moments together. We shall keep all our memories of her close in our hearts. Sabrena please know that we share in your sadness and we are here if you need anything. We loved Aunt Ruth,but God loved her more. Please find comfort in the scripture Weeping May Endure For The Night But Joy Comes In The Morning. I pray that GOD will continue to comfort and strengthen you in the days,months and years to come. We love you dearly.
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
