Ruth Irene Zimmerman

Reverend Ruth Irene Zimmerman went home to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on December 25, 2016. Ruth was born in Joplin, Missouri on November 1, 1916 to father Earl Franklin Johnson (born June 9,1886 in Joplin Ward 2, Jasper, Missouri); and, Mother Selma Lavenia Johnson (born May 22, 1888 in Weatherford, TX). Ruth attended Bible College in California and was an ordained Four Square Minister. Her ministry began at the Foursquare Church of Littlefield. She served in various ministries; Savannah, Spring City, Tennessee and Kansas; Trinity Church of Cedar Hill; Memorial Assembly of God and South Gate Duncanville, TX. She did many things for the Lord that brought great joy to her heart. She wants everyone to remember, the Lord and she have been dear Friends since 1931. She is now resting in peace with him. The journey has been good. She married Virgel Leon Zimmerman at the Dallas Foursquare Gospel Church on April 20, 1947 in Dallas, Texas, Dr. Charles R. Gaines officiated. They honeymooned in Arkansas and Tennessee. Their first home was in Littlefield, TX. They settled in Dallas, Texas in early 1950’s. The following excerpt was written by Reverend Ruth Zimmerman in early 1990’s and was to be her sole obituary: My life has been a wonderful spiritual adventure from the day I met Jesus until the day He called me into His presence. As is, with everyone…there have been seasons of hurt and pain and; also, there have been many battles but with each battle in the warfare…there was always the “Victory”. I became a Christian at a very young age…in my early teens under a large tent and down in the saw dust, at an old worn alter, wet with the tears of many people and I added mine. Jesus became “personal Savior.” I have always felt the day of my natural birth was not as important as the day of my “Spiritual Birth” - The day I was born again…has always been the most important day in my life. God has been so wonderful to me in giving me Virgel…he has been a Rock in my life, standing by me when I really needed his strength. He has been the precious earthly gift in my life. I know he will stand strong for the Lord until we meet again. All I ask from each of you is this…” Please release me for I am “HOME”. I have finished my earthly course. The ones I leave behind, I will meet again…. My family, Bill, Gloria, Bryan, and Brittany and my Extended Family (ones alive at the time this was written). My church “Family” has been so precious to me…I couldn’t name each of you…but I’ve loved you so much, just remember that.

Reverend Ruth Irene Zimmerman

Obituary, cont’d.

The following poem, author unknown:

I would not have you grieve for me to-day

Nor weep beside my vacant chair,

Could you but know my daily portion here,

You would not, could not, wish me there.

I know now why He said, “Ear hath not head”,

I have no words, no alphabet.

Or even if I had, I dare not tell,

Because you could not bear it yet.

So only this, I am the same…though changed,

Like Him/ A joy more rich and strong

Than I had dreamed that any heart could hold,

And all my life is one glad song.

And so, my “LOVED ONES”, do not grieve for me

Around the family group today

Instead, rejoice, for we are one in Him,

And so, I’m not far away.

The Family wishes to express our Sincerest Gratitude to Sandtina Perryman for her acts of kindness, comfort, love and support for our MiMi. You said you would always be there for our family and you were. Thank you for that. We Love You, “Mimi”.