Ruthie Mae Adams was born on January 7, 1930, in Laneville, Texas to the parentage of Will & Ethel Mae Van Zandt. Being the fifth child of eleven, Ruthie loved her family and showed just how much of a leader she was indeed. It was evident that Ruthie was a peculiar child as she was the first child to give her life to Christ! At the tender age of 17, she received the baptism of the Holy Ghost at White Temple Church of God In Christ in Jacksonville, Texas. She meant Jesus all the way and she lived a holy life even while attending Fairview High School in Reklaw, Texas.
On January 7, 1947, Ruthie united with Willie B. Adams in marriage, and to this union, they had ten children. Caring and loving her children was Ruthie’s heart and day to day passion. Her unconditional love was second to none! Throughout the years, a song always carried her through each trial of life. Her children knew when she sang songs of praise, everything was alright.
Around 1954, Ruthie moved to Dallas, Texas, and began attending Lighthouse Church of God In Christ under the Late Superintendent Edward Calloway. From there, she raised her children under the leadership of the Late Superintendent Rabion Hunter of Galilee Church of God In Christ. Currently, Ruthie was under the leadership care of Pastor Howard Richardson at Gates of Glory Church where they loved and adored Ruthie’s sweet spirit for over 20 years. She was a real mother of Zion, a woman of unquestionable faith and believed the word of the Lord wholeheartedly. She would often say, “whatever the Lord say about it!” and would then go into a praise shouting, “yee hee!”
On Saturday, April 25, 2020, Ruthie Mae accepted her eternal crown, her long white robe, and entered into eternal rest with the Lord. She is surely resting in the Master’s arms! She is preceded in death by both of her parents, all of her siblings, two sons (Kenneth & Nathaniel) and one daughter (Anne). Talk about a heavenly reunion!
Ruthie Mae leaves her children to cherish the memories and continue the legacy: Evangelist Mae Joyce Nickerson, Willie T., Sr., Deacon Walter Lee (Gayle), Mary, Robert Earl, Carl, and Carolyn; grandchildren: Anthony, Co-pastor Belinda (Pastor Randy), George (Melissa), Willie T., Jr., Marvette (Lamar), Gerrod, Kanard, Precious, LaKesia, Stephanie, Tiffany (Deylan, Sr.), Brianna, Keneathia (Christopher), Daniel and Darius; and a host of great-grandchildren and special friends from all over the nation.
