Ruth Stephens

Ruth Scott Stephens, born in Newbern, Alabama (Hale County), to Willie Scott and Hannah Beverly, was the seventh of eight children. She was educated in the Hale County Public Schools and later moved to Washington, D.C., where she met and later married the love of her life, Curtis Stephens, Jr., in March 1963. From their blessed union, they were graced with three daughters: Karren Jean, Darlene, and Wanda.

Ruth dedicated her life to her family as a Stay-at Home Mom, balancing work outside the home with positions at Giant Food as a Meat Wrapper and later at the Government Printing Office (GPO) as a Bookkeeper. Over her 30-year career at GPO, Ruth was recognized for her commitment and hard work, receiving numerous accolades, including a prestigious award personally presented by the Agency’s Chief Executive Officer. She retired in May 2004, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and professionalism.

Ruth’s spiritual journey began early in her life when she got up off the “morning bench” and accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at the Hunter Chapel Baptist Church in Faunsdale, Alabama. Shortly after moving to Washington, D.C., she became a devoted member of the New Southern Rock Baptist Church, where she served on Usher Board #2 for many years before becoming a Deaconess. Her faith in the Lord was unwavering, and she instilled in her children and grandchildren the importance of having a personal relationship with God. A devoted reader of the Bible, her favorite scripture was Psalm 23: “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.” Ruth ended every conversation with a profound expression of her faith: “God got me.”

Ruth was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Curtis Stephens, Jr.; her brothers, Willie Scott, Robert Scott, and Henry Scott; and her sister, Dorothy Scott (Fortson) Thomas. She leaves to cherish her memory her three daughters: Karren Jean (Steven) Bailey, Darlene, and Wanda (William) Washington; her grandchildren: Natasha Nicole Neal, Cedric Dwayne Fountain Jr., William Thomas Curtis Washington, Isaiah Paul Washington, and Nehemiah James Washington; her brothers Herman Scott of Toledo, Ohio, and David Scott of Greensboro, Alabama; her sister, Charity Hunter of Mobile, Alabama; and a host of loving family members and friends.

Ruth’s legacy of love, faith and family will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She was a woman of great faith, strength, and kindness, and her presence will be deeply missed.

May she rest in eternal peace with the Lord.