Mother Ruth N. Watford

Life of a Queen

Mother Ruth Nettie Rankins Watford’s (affectionately known as Puddin’) journey on this earth began December 25, 1927 in Bertie County to the late James and Essie McGlohone Rankins. She transitioned from her home in Powellsville to her heavenly home on May 10, 2019.

Ruth attended public schools in Bertie County. Growing up in the Colerain area, she had a very happy childhood. She was a stay-at-home wife and mother for many years. As the children grew up, she loved playing games with them. In her earlier years she worked on the farm. She later gained employment with the Bertie County school system. She also worked for and retired from CADA. She enjoyed being an AVON representative for approximately 50 years.

Ruth loved her family, her church, and people and was always ready to help anyone. She opened her home to many and there was always a place at her table to feed all who entered her home.

She was a member of Rountree Temple of Praise COGIC, Int’l since 1962. Although she had joined another church earlier in life, she gave her life to the Lord after hearing the “Word” preached by the late Bishop George Rountree. She was saved, sanctified, and filled with the Holy Ghost under Bishop Rountree’s leadership and teaching. She then began telling others about the “good news” of Jesus Christ. As a result, she was able to lead others to Christ. She was a great church worker. In 1975 she was appointed to the position of Jurisdictional Supervisor of Women for the COGIC, Int’l. serving in that capacity until her health failed. She was also a Prayer & Bible Band and Sunshine Band leader for many years. She was also the president of the Women’s Ministry.

She was united in holy matrimony to the late James Bud (JB) Watford on October 26, 1948. To this union they were blessed with ten children, two of which preceded her in death: Clarence C. Watford and George C. Watford. Also preceded her was her sister, Mary Parker (Little Sister).

She leaves to cherish her memories two daughters: Ruth Dianne Raynor (Wayne) of Colerain, NC and Shirley Kaye Parker (Thomas) of Powellsville, NC. Six sons: James C. Watford (Carolyn), William C. Watford (Bettie), and Larry C. Watford “Babyboy” (Betty) all of Powellsville, NC; Jefferson C. Watford of Ahoskie, NC; Calvin Watford of Raleigh, NC and Tony R. Watford of Hampton, VA. Daughter-in-law, Joyce W. Watford (Clarence’s wife) of Yorktown, VA. She also loved and raised her sister’s, children as her own: Mary Ware (Eugene) of Decatur, GA; Vernon Slade who preceded her in death; Michael Parker (Amy) of Stockbridge, GA, and Derrick Parker of East Point, GA. One brother, Eugene Askew (Joyce) of Windsor, NC. Three sisters-in-law: Barbara Jean Taylor and Rebie Watford of Hampton, VA, and Dorothy Mae Douglas of Jamaica, NY. One aunt, Minnie McGlohone Wynn of Baltimore, MD. 14 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, 5 great-great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Services for Mother Ruth N. Watford will be held 1:00 p.m. Saturday, May 18, 2019 at Rountree Temple of Praise C.O.G.I.C. in Ahoskie, NC. 127  Moore Town Road East Ahoskie, NC. 27910. by National Presiding Bishop of the C.O.G.I.C. Intl., Bishop J.C. Watford.

Interment will follow at Rountree Temple of Praise C.O.G.I.C. Church Cemetery.

A viewing for Mother Ruth Watford will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Friday, May 17, 2019 at the church.

It is the desire of the Watford family that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

The family of the late Mother Ruth Watford has entrusted her final care to the staff at C.C. Carter Funeral Home, Inc.

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