Ruth Alexander Johnson

Ruth A. Johnson

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PORTSMOUTH -- Ruth Alexander Johnson of the 2400 block of Palmer St., died Sept. 19, 2002 at her home following a long illness.

Born in Scotland Neck, N.C., she was the first child of Zeddie Alexander and Jeanette Applewhite Alexander Hale.As a student at I.C. Norcom High School, Portsmouth, she was soprano soloist with the famed Norcom Fellowship Chorus; then with the choir of The Norfolk Unit of Virginia Union University (now Norfolk State University) and the Hiram Simmons Singers of Portsmouth.

As a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church, she was a Girl Scout leader and a soloist with the Senior Choir.Ruth began her chosen career in library work as an assistant librarian at the first community-sponsored library for Citizens of Color during the period of legal segregation of races in Virginia.
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Her husband is especially thankful for the continued acts of neighbors, family friends, church officials and members who quietly brought and sent thoughtful kindnesses to Ruth over the last long period of her physical disability.Thankfulness is also extended to the personnel who provided home care and institutional medical care to Ruth.

A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Ebenezer Baptist Church, 728 Effingham St., Portsmouth, with the Rev. James E. Wynn, interim pastor, officiating.The remains will be taken to the church by 10 a.m. the day of the funeral.Family and friends will also gather Tuesday at 10:15 a.m. at the funeral home for the procession to the church.Viewing will begin Monday at 11 a.m.The family will be pleased to greet friends at Fisher Funeral Home Monday from 7 to 8 p.m. Burial will be in Lincoln Cemetery, Portsmouth.