Ruth Lean Harper Calhoun was born to the parentage of Nelson Harper and Atwar Brinkley in Jefferson, Texas, on January 7, 1933. She was the second child of twelve children. Her father went on to be with the Lord in 1995, and her mother went on to be with the Lord in 2011. At an early age, she began her christian walk. While growing up, she was active within the church participating in numerous church activities and events. In 1948, she married, Francis Calhoun and to that union five children were born, Charles, Silesteen, Kathleen, Francis, Jr. and Calvin.
Ruth attended school in Jefferson, Texas. Later, she attended Bishop College where she earned her Bachelor’s degree and went on to East Texas State University, where she earned her Master’s degree. She worked as an educator for Dallas ISD for 33 years. During that time she obtained her Principal Certification and was integral in establishing the first Charter School in Dallas ISD: Prairie Creek Academy. Teaching was one of the many things she loved. She touched so many lives and inspired so many people.
She devoted her life to caring for her family and as a worker for the Lord. She faithfully served at Mount Tabor Baptist Church for many years in many capacities including: Mission President, Pastor’s Aide, as well as a member of the choir. Later, she became a member of Full of Faith Christian Center, where her son, Pastor C. Ray Calhoun, had the privilege to preside as her pastor. There, she served on the Executive Board, Pastor’s Aide, and Hospitality. She was active in her community as a member of the National Council of Negro Women as well as a member of the Jeffersonian Club and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority.
She remained a soldier for the Lord until HE called her home. On Wednesday, November 18, 2020, Mother Ruth Lean Calhoun was called from labor to reward. She entered into eternal glory where she was met by her parents, Nelson Harper and Atwar Brinkley; daughter, Silesteen Calhoun-Hamilton; two grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
She was a humanitarian. Her ANIMATED story telling was unparalleled!!
Left to cherish her memories, her husband of 72 years, Francis Calhoun; three sons, Charles Calhoun (Mary), Francis Calhoun, Jr. (Patricia) and Calvin Calhoun (Peggy); one daughter, Kathleen Delley (Lee); four brothers, Hardis Howard, John Howard, Alphonzo Howard and Johnny Howard; three sisters, Ruby Jackson (Eugene), Eldora Howard and Eula Blair (Cleophus); nineteen grandchildren, sixty-three great-grandchildren, thirty-four great-great-grandchildren, one great-great-great-grandchild and a host of family and friends.
