Mrs. Ruth Mouton

Mrs. Ruth Goode Mouton, beloved mother, grandmother, educator, and servant of Christ, peacefully transitioned from labor to reward on April 26, 2025, at the age of 89, at Harmony on the Peninsula in Yorktown, Virginia.

Ruth was born on July 27, 1935, in Chester, Virginia, to the late Henry L. and Ruth Coles Goode. She accepted Christ at an early age and began her spiritual journey at First Baptist Church Centralia in Richmond, VA. After marriage, she became a faithful member of Bethel A.M.E. Church in Hampton, where she worshiped and served diligently for over 50 years. Ruth was active in numerous ministries, including the Lay Organization, Missionary Society, Sunday School, and outreach efforts supporting the homeless and those in need. Her faith and compassion guided every part of her life.

A proud graduate of Carver High School in Chesterfield, Ruth went on to earn her B.S. in Biology from Virginia State College (now University) in 1957, and later her M.S. in Earth Science in 1974. She began her teaching career in 1957 at Y.H. Thomas Jr. High School in Hampton, where she taught General Science and quickly became Science Department Chair. Her career spanned more than three decades and included teaching positions at C.A. Lindsay Jr. High and Hampton High School, as well as roles as department chair and science curriculum consultant at the local and state levels. Ruth was also a dedicated judge at regional science fairs and contributed to programs like GRASP and gifted summer enrichment.

Her passion for science education earned her numerous accolades, including the Outstanding Secondary Educators of America Award, the Eastman Kodak International Science & Engineering Award, and the title of Outstanding Earth Science Teacher for both Virginia and the Eastern U.S. She participated in national workshops and was selected for prestigious educational equity programs with the College Board.

Outside the classroom, Ruth served her community through countless organizations. She was a Life Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (Hampton Alumnae Chapter), The Links, Inc., The Society, Inc., the NAACP, and several retired teacher associations. She also volunteered through the Grandparent Program, Peninsula Reads, and elementary school tutoring initiatives.

Ruth had a passion for travel, and she especially cherished a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. She adored spending time with her children and grandchildren, hosting game nights with friends, baking (famous for paper-thin cake slices), and diving into her vast collection of cookbooks. She was a gracious hostess, a devoted friend, and a woman of wisdom and warmth. Her signature phrases, “mercy cakes” and “hi precious,” will be fondly remembered.

She was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 35 years, Wilford James Mouton, Sr.; her grandson, James E. Tucker III; her parents; and her brothers, Joseph Henry “Henry Jr.” Goode and Clarence “Shorty” Goode.

Ruth leaves to cherish her memory her three loving children: Monique C. Mouton, Yvette Mouton Runnels (Elliot), and Wilford J. Mouton, Jr. (Lynette), all of Hampton, VA; her beloved grandchildren: Christian, Elise, and Giuliana Mouton; nieces and nephews including devoted niece Sandra Goode Tucker (Lloyd); many great-nieces and nephews; cousins; her goddaughter Della Earley; and a host of cherished friends including Blanche Earley, Fay Wilson, Deborah Taylor, William (Bill) and Agnes Fields.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the Memory Care Staff at Harmony on the Peninsula and the team at Medi Home Health & Hospice for their dedicated and loving care.

One of Ruth’s favorite scriptures was Joshua 1:5 (clause b):
“I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Delta Sigma Theta Omega Omega Service for Mrs. Mouton, will be held at 4:00p.m. Sunday, May 4, 2025. In the Rose -Emily Memorial Chapel of C.C .Carter Funeral Home.

It is the desire of the Mouton/ Runnels families that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

The family of Mrs. Ruth Mouton has entrusted her final care to C. C. Carter Funeral Home.

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