Ruth Michelle Ramseur

Effie Cathcart and James Ramseur welcomed their daughter Ruth Ramseur into this world on July 23, 1936, in Gastonia, NC. Ruth was raised in a loving and caring household in Gastonia as the youngest of 6 siblings. Her upbringing and influences from her parents, sisters Victoria, Margaret, and Marjorie, and brothers Otis and Emmett enabled her to embody the values of hard work, education, and the importance of family.

Ruth moved with her sisters Margaret and Marjorie to Washington D.C. in the late 1940s to unite with their older sister Victoria, who established residency and a nursing career in D.C., for family support and educational opportunities amid the passing of their mother, Effie Cathcart. The move was permanent for Ruth, who established a lifelong residency in D.C.

Ruth's introduction to the D.C. culture began when she enrolled in D.C. public schools, including Margaret Murray Washington Vocational School. She quickly adjusted to the urban school environment and impressed her peers with her southern dialect and upbringing. She followed her sister Victoria’s career path as a nurse and served in the D.C. metropolitan area her entire career. Ruth worked as an intensive care unit pediatric recovery room nurse at Children’s Hospital (now called Children’s National Medical Center) for many years. She always had a passion for working with infants and children.

Ruth also had an active social life; she enjoyed D.C.’s entertainment and nightlife – often attending shows at the legendary Howard Theatre, cabarets, or eating soulful meals at Ed Murphy's Supper Club. She traveled to the Caribbean islands and particularly enjoyed relaxing in the Bahamas. On Sunday afternoons, she would be locked into watching the Washington Redskins on TV. There was never any clutter in Ruth's house; the kitchen, pantries, and closets were always meticulously clean and organized.

Although she was a tireless worker and enjoyed life, her loyalty and devotion instilled in her during her upbringing in Gastonia and D.C was family. At 22 years of age, Ruth displayed selflessness during adversity when her sister Marjorie became ill as a mother of four children. Ruth didn't hesitate to take in her niece and nephews, Deborah, Ronald, and Michael. At the same time, her sister Margaret took in Marjorie. Ruth provided shelter, food, and discipline in a caring and loving home for her niece and nephews and was instrumental in ensuring they received the necessary guidance to progress into becoming respectful adults. Her impact on them resonated across generations, catalyzing those nieces and nephews to pursue higher education.

Ruth is the last of six brothers and sisters that have transitioned from this world and made a remarkable impact on everyone she encountered. Her nieces and nephews survive her; Deborah Fowler, Ronald Fowler, Michael Fowler, Marjorie Sands, and Laverne Bridges, with whom she directly influenced to become responsible brothers and sisters, parents, grandparents, and civil servants in their respective communities; brother-in-law Stanley Williams, and a host of other nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.