On October 14, 2022, Ruth Clemmer Whitworth passed away peacefully at age 95 after a brief illness. Ruth lived in Sunset Harbor, NC for over 35 years. Born in Gastonia, NC on April 19, 1927, Ruth was the mother of five children, however over the years many considered her their surrogate mother. When kids were over at Ruth’s house to play with her kids, they were fed, cared for, and when nap time came all kids took naps. 

Ruth was the oldest daughter in the family of eleven children growing up in the time of depression and WWII. Ruth married James A. Whitworth in 1942 just prior to him serving in the Second World War. Ruth became a “pastors' wife” when James returned home and was called by the Lord to preach. Ruth and James faithfully served in Southern Baptist churches for over sixty-five years.  

All of Ruth’s children and grandchildren loved her spunk and sprit, ageless beauty, and fierce competitiveness. Ruth is survived by her five children, Roger Austin Whitworth of Green Cove Springs, FL; Wanda W. Ward of Dublin, VA; Linda W. Richardson of Southport, NC; Jane W. Hall of Carolina Beach, NC; and Michael A. Whitworth of Orlando, FL. Ruth had seven grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren, and two great/great grandchildren. Proceeded in death by her mother and father, and her husband James. 

Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 PM, Sunday, October 16, 2022, at Brunswick Funeral Service, Shallotte Chapel. The family will receive friends at 1:00 PM prior to the service.

Burial will be in Brunswick Memorial Gardens.