Ruth M. James was born February 23, 1925 in Greensboro NC. She transitioned on January 31, 2021. Ruth was the sixth child of eight born to John McClinton and Cassie Palmer McClinton in Guilford County. She graduated from James B. Dudley High School in 1941 and in 1947 graduated from North Carolina A&T State University where she later met, then married the late Walter Lenel James. Ruth worked in the Greensboro Guilford Public School System as a teacher for over thirty years. She was a dedicated and committed member of Trinity AME Zion Church for many years. Ruth was also a member of the former Annie Blackwell Club and she was inducted into the Trinity Half-Century Club in 1998. She received the Hayes-Taylor YWCA Woman of the Year Award in 2000. She also received the NAACP Lifetime Membership award. Ruth was a member of the Beta Nu Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and she received the Zeta Trailblazer Finer Womanhood Celebration March 19, 2005 Award. Ruth actively supported her chapter in various capacities; namely Financial Officer for the chapter (Tamais), Beta Nu Zeta Board of Trustees (original member, her photo is displayed in the Zeta Center along with other Trustees). She was honored with several awards for her devoted service. Ruth James was always a talented seamstress making her daughters' clothes, drapes and a variety of other creations. Upon retiring her creative spirit continued and flourished by using paper mache to create one-of-a-kind pictures illustrating the beauty and uniqueness of life. She did not stop there. She started a collection of pecan resin hand painted figurines depicting African-American history and made colorful quilts and wall hangings. Ruth was also a member of the Pinochle Club where she enjoyed playing cards with her friends for many years. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband: Walter Lenel James and her five brothers: John McClinton, O'Neal McClinton, Edward McClinton, Ernest McClinton, Joseph McClinton and two sisters: Barbara Louise Smith, Lacy Simmons. Ruth leaves to cherish her memories, her three daughters: Cameron Hardison (spouse Mack Hardison), Sandra Keen (spouse Maynard Keen) and Judy Carter; two granddaughters: Carol Young Williams and Janelle Young and a great grandson: Xavier Nyameche Williams along with an abundance of nieces, nephews and friends. Also cherishing in her memories are the many students that she taught throughout the years that have made testaments of her positive impact on their lives. In lieu of sending flowers, please send donations to: Trinity A.M.E. Zion Church 631 E Florida St, Greensboro NC 27406 (336) 274-4670 On your donation check, please include "In memory of Ruth M. James" in the memo section The viewing is Sunday, February 7 th 2021 from 2 – 4 PM EST Graveside Service is at Noon, Feb 8 th , 2021 Maplewood Cemetery 235 Bingham Street Greensboro NC

Services entrusted to Perry J. Brown Funeral Home (336)-272-6109.