Ruth Inez Jackson Anderson, aged 71, passed away on July 23, 2024, in Florence, Alabama. Born to the late Annie Sue "Lucy" Jackson on September 2, 1952, Ruth spent her entire life in the city she loved, Florence, Alabama.

She confessed her hope in Christ at an early age and joined Galilee M.B. Church in Florence, Alabama where she remained until adulthood. After her marriage, she joined her husband as a member of Rock Primitive Baptist Church in Florence, Alabama, and was an active member for many years. Upon her retirement, she returned to her family church, Galilee M.B. Church, where she worked devotedly until her health failed.

An alumnus of West End High School and a proud graduate of Central High School's Class of 1970, Ruth excelled academically and earned a full scholarship to Alabama A&M University. There, she pursued a career in elementary education graduating in 1974 and went on to earn a Master's Degree from the University of North Alabama in 1978.Ruth dedicated 30 years to teaching at Hatton Elementary School in Town Creek, Alabama, where she taught kindergarten and fifth grade. Even in retirement, she remained a passionate educator, always ready to inspire and nurture young minds at church and within her community. Her dedication earned her multiple Teacher of the Year awards, and she was honored by her church for her lifelong commitment to youth education.

Ruth's legacy is carried on by her three beloved children and the countless students whose lives she touched throughout her career. Her contributions extended beyond the classroom to her work in church, where she directed the youth department and children's church.

Ruth was preceded in death by her former husband Robert "Bubba Smoke" Anderson, Jr.; her loving mother Annie Sue Jackson; her grandparents Mary Ola Jones and Professor William A. Jackson; her brothers William L. Jackson and Harry E. Jackson (infant); her sister Elizabeth A. Jackson; her aunt Lizzie Jackson; her uncles Willie Clyde Gilbert, Hamp James "Uncle Pete" Gilbert, and Alex Lee "Bae Bro" Thompson, Sr.; her sisters-in-law Charlistean Chandler, Jeanetta Russell, and Barbara Foster; her brother-in-law Dennis Anderson; and her nephews Christopher Hampton, Eugene Foster and Clark Foster.

She leaves to cherish her memory her three loving children: Dr. Kimberly N. Jackson, Robert Anderson III, and Darcus Anderson; God son: Braylen Jackson, seven grandchildren: Jordan, Jayden, Deven, Cayden, Caley, Omari, and Esther; her sister Carolyn (Lloyd) Jackson Mixon; her sister-in-law Valerie "Nell" Woods; her nieces: Tami Jackson, Kashauna Jackson, CaNeysha Mixon, Monica Hampton, Cassandra "Sonya" Anderson, Tonia Patterson, and Tabitha Patterson; her nephews: Michael Jackson, LaDeryk Mixon, Darryl Anderson, Bryant Anderson, Charles Anderson, Kemara Anderson, Calvin Hampton, Carlos Russell, Travis Russell, Donnie Freeman, Jermaine Freeman, and Oscar Woods; her great-nephews Charles, Jermaine, Lavare "Bill", Jordan, Troy and Ramsey; and great-nieces Myka, Alexis, Karsyn and Lennox.

Services to honor Ruth's life will be held on August 3, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at Galilee M.B. Church, 23001 County Road 14, Florence, Alabama 35633. Burial will follow at Galilee Missionary Baptist Church cemetery in Florence, Alabama, with a repast in the church fellowship hall.

Her Central High School classmates, nephews, cousins and friends will serve as pallbearers.

Her Central High School classmates, nieces, cousins and friends will serve flower bearers.

Pastor Moshiu T. Knox will deliver words of comfort.

Ruth's presence will be deeply missed, yet her memory will remain a shining beacon of comfort and joy for everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.