Ruthie (Williams) Bell

Ruthie Lee (Williams) Bell went home to be with the Lord on Saturday July 2, 2022.  She was born February 1, 1937, in Forrest City, Arkansas to the late John Henry Devoes and Queen Victory Coffey.  She was the middle of three children.  She was better known as “Honey Baby” to family and friends.

She married Arthur “Plute” Williams in 1951 and to that union had one son.  Moving to Michigan in 1954 she gave birth to her second son James Johnson Jr.

She was employed at Champco an external sub-Chrystal Plant as a parts finisher.  She was also a shift Union Steward for many years until her retirement.  While in Akron she took on a part time job with Mature Services.  Befriending many of the staff there she established a network of contacts to interact with.  She joined Mount Calvary Baptist and became an Usher eventually becoming their Senior Usher Board President.  She was active in the ICUA organization becoming the city and State Chaplin until her poor health prevented her participation.  She served in the past, as the Ohio State Chaplin with ICUA.  She traveled throughout the state and beyond with close friend Mary Robinson and others.

She was known for her good southern cooking that had you looking forward to her next invite.  Her sweet potato pies were requested during every holiday by family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents John Henry Devoes and Queen Victory Coffey, 1st husband Arthur “Plute” Williams, 2nd Husband Robert Bell; sisters Anneese “Nessie Baby” Wilson and Qunnie “Runt” Coffey; son James Johnson Jr.; Special Nieces Dorothy Baskins and Murral Latimore.

She leaves to cherish her memory, son Jerry (Barbara) Williams, grandchildren: Irwin Keith Taylor, Darnell Johnson, Rachia (Roderick) Williams-Garrett, Jerry (Sharday) Williams II, Katrina Johnson, Brandon Vann, Tramaine (Emanuel) Avery, Mario Brown; 27 Great Grandchildren and 4 Great-Great Grandchildren.  Daughter-N-Law Michell Brown, Special Sister-N-Law Christine Jones; Special Spiritual Daughter Estelle Anderson, who was always at her bedside providing comfort.  Spiritual Son Terry Blash who provided weekly visits to brighten her week, as well as a host of other Great Nieces, Nephews, relatives, and friends.

Special thanks to Summa Health Hospice staff Melissa, Beatrice, and Shonna for their kind and considerate care during mom’s last days.