Ruthie Mae Terrell's Obituary
Ruthie Mae Pierce Terrell, affectionately known as “Mama Ruthie,” “Mom,” “Nana,” “Grandma,” and “Bitty,” by her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and godchildren, transitioned into the arms of her Loving Savior on Monday, May 13, 2024. She was born on October 5, 1925 to Anderson Pierce and Rosa Anna Tucker in Chattanooga, Tennessee in a little community called Brown’s Alley, located just off of E. 9th Street. She attended Chattanooga Public Schools until she reached her senior year, when she went to work in her uncle and aunt’s café and as a maid and babysitter for several families. She met and married the love of her life, James C. Terrell, Sr., and to this union God blessed them with 3 sons and 3 daughters. Then, in 1983, she went back to school at age 58 and earned her High School Diploma! Until her eyesight began to dim from Glaucoma, Ruthie was an avid reader! She was in several book clubs and loved mystery, romance, suspense as well as several magazine subscriptions. Ruthie was a loving wife and wonderful homemaker, and devoted mother as well as caregiver for her husband of 44 years and youngest daughter, Julie, until they passed away. She was also babysitter to almost all her grandchildren and some of her great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Anderson Pierce and Rosa Anna Tucker; stepfather, Edward Tucker; her husband, James C. Terrell, Sr.; 7 brothers; 1 sister; 2 sons, James C. Terrell, Jr. and Kenneth D. Terrell; 2 daughters, Marsha E. Savage and Julie C. Terrell; 2 great-grandsons, Javante Terrell and Michael James Gustus, Jr. She is survived by her daughter, Beverly (Ray) Harrington; her son, Oliver H. (Evelyn) Terrell; 10 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren, 8 great-great-grandchildren; very devoted and loving Godchildren from the Grimes Family—Malvin, Denise, Albert, Margaret, Jeffrey, Jessie, and Sara Grimes; a host of other relatives and friends. The family wishes to express thanks and much gratitude for the many prayers, calls, text messages, and other acts of kindness during this very difficult time. Also, a special heartfelt thanks to Hospice of Chattanooga—Brenda Wagner, RN, CNA’s Cel and Nedra, Social Worker and volunteer sitters. Ruthie will lie-in-state on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Taylor Funeral Home. Funeral service will follow at 12 noon in the chapel with Reverend Gerald Spence, Sr. as the eulogist. Burial in Highland Memorial Gardens.
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