GREENSBORO â?? Lela Ruth Shanks entered the Lord's presence on Sunday, October 21, 2012 after an extended period of declining health. "Ruth" was born Lela Ruth Richardson on February 16, 1926 in Lincoln County, NC. She completed her nursing studies at Kate Bidding School of Nursing in Winston Salem, NC, proudly graduating as a R.N. Ruth's first nursing position was at Cabarrus Hospital in Concord, NC; and she was the first African American nurse hired at Moses Cone Hospital in Greensboro, NC. During her career she was a nurse at several other facilities including A&T College (now University) Student Infirmary and L. Richardson Hospital. She subsequently worked as a nurse for Dr. Alvin Blount, from whose practice she retired. A patient, Vernice V. Shanks, on Ruth's ward at Cabarrus Hospital would become her future husband. Ruth and Vernice (affectionately known as "VV"), married on September 29, 1949 in Cheraw, SC. Before the decline in her health, Ruth was an active member of United Institutional Baptist Church. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, and is survived by her son Vernon L. Shanks (Cheryl) of High Point, NC, a daughter Deborah Lenna Shanks of Montclair, NJ, a grandson whom she adored, Evan David Shanks, High Point, NC and a host of relatives and friends. Her smile, generosity and hospitality will be genuinely missed. Mama, Our love for you will keep you near us always. Marty and Deb The family thanks Ruth's caregivers and Greensboro Hospice and Palliative Care for the gracious care provided during her illness. Final arrangements have been entrusted to Perry Brown Funeral Home, Greensboro, NC