Mrs. Ruth London Ingram Lea, passed away Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

Funeral service will be held Saturday, February 28, 2026 11:30am at Providence Baptist Church 1106 Tuscaloos Street Greensboro, North Carolina. Visitation 10:30am.

Burial will follow at Highland Burial Park 3049 North Main Street Danville, Virginia.

Chapter One: Ruth London Ingram Lea transitioned from labor to reward on Wednesday morning, February 18, 2026, at the age of ninety-three concluding the final chapter of the Book of Ruth.

Ruth was born on August 13, 1932, in Danville, Virginia. She was the eldest daughter of the late Mary Anna Adams and Obie Ingram, Sr. She was preceded in death by brothers Clyde Adams, James Bosman, Obie, Jr., and sisters Velma Ingram, Queen Daily, and Kathryn Ingram. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family.

At an early age, she accepted Christ and was baptized into membership at the historic Calvary Baptist Church in Danville. Va. Ruth was educated in the segregated Danville city school system and was a graduate of John M. Langston High School. Aspiring to be an educator, Ruth enrolled in and graduated with honors from Saint Paul's College in Lawrenceville, Virginia. A member of the class of 1954, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in Education. Ruth was the first of her seventy-five first cousins to attend and graduate from college. During her college years, Ruth shared her beautiful soprano voice as a member and soloist in the Saint Paul's College Choral Society touring choir under the direction of the renowned late Dr. Roland Allison.

Chapter Two: After college, Ruth returned to the Danville area and began a career as a schoolteacher. At that time, she taught in a one-room schoolhouse in rural Pittsylvania County developing lesson plans for multiple grades. In the early 1960's she was transferred to Central Elementary School in Chatham where she remained until 1980. Committed to the pedagogy of education, Ruth obtained a master's degree in education from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia. Her areas of interest and expertise included Physical Education and Social Studies. Ruth Lea was known to be a "no nonsense" teacher who understood the importance of discipline and proper classroom decorum to facilitate education. Ruth retired from the Pittsylvania County School System with 30 years of service in 1983.

After her return to Danville from college, Ruth met the love of her life and subsequently married the late Rev. William Lea. To that union was born one daughter, Sabrena. Ruth in her role as a Pastor's wife supported her husband as he pastored Baptist churches in Virginia and rural North Carolina until his untimely death in 1994 having served his last church Springfield for 25 years. Although she worked full-time, Ruth always found time to support the church and was willing to serve whenever needed; be it singing in the choir, collaborating with missionaries, teaching Sunday School, or preparing food for special events. She loved and was loved by the people she and Rev. Lea were called to serve. Rev. and Mrs. Lea enjoyed welcoming members, family, and friends into their home on a regular basis for meals during the holidays and other times. They had a special brand of hospitality that was appealing to people of all walks of life. In addition to her work in the church, Ruth was a Girl Scout mom, Dance mom, and Band mom. Whenever needed she was a surrogate Mom to any of Sabrena's friends who needed her support.

Chapter Three: Ruth was an excellent cook and hostess. She could make a sweet potato pie, which was out of this world good. She enjoyed making pickles, damson, and pear preserves to share with her friends and family. A kind of renaissance woman, Ruth enjoyed trying new things she sewed, crocheted, and knitted. Ruth Lea was also an avid fisherman who once landed a 35 lb. catfish, all by herself.

Chapter Four: Ruth was an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and a Silver Star. She was a member of the Virginia Association of Ministers' Wives and Widows. Ruth loved her family after retirement she was the primary caregiver for her beloved mother who lived to be 98 years old and cared for several other family members. In 2018, Ruth reluctantly relocated to Greensboro, North Carolina to be closer to her daughter. While in Greensboro, she united with Providence Baptist Church where she enjoyed worship and supporting her daughter. Ruth loved traveling with Sabrena to project sites across North Carolina and conferences across the country. She loved going to the beach and doing anything that would bring her in contact with people.

Chapter Five: Ruth's name originates from the Hebrew word meaning 'friend' or 'companion'. Like her name, Ruth was a loyal and trustworthy friend to many. During her life she strived to live a life that reflected God's love and Proverbs 31 virtue.

Left to cherish her memory and continue her legacy of love are her beloved daughter, Rev. Sabrena Lea. Caregiver nieces Dr. Allethia Ingram, and Ms. Ann Lea who provided care to Ruth when Sabrena traveled along with Keisha (Stevon) Cardwell. God grandsons Marlin Adams and Kaseem (Sara) Harris. Precious god great granddaughters: Wrenlee Grace Harris, Kyli Rice, and Aurilyn Violet Adams. Caregivers Dolores Hudson and Anne Rico. Fifteen surviving first cousins, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins; Olivia Dallas Moore (a best friend of 90 years), sorority sisters, family, and friends.