Ruth Brown

Clyde-Ruth Jane Hooker Brown, 87, of Claude Brown Drive, died Monday, October 29, 2007. Ruth was born in Brookford, NC on January 7, 1920, to Grover Chadwick and Emma McClure Hooker. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Claude Brown, Sr., who died in 1984; sister, Violet H. Brown; and brother, Henderson McClure. Ruth grew up in the Iron Duff Community of Haywood County and graduated Clyde High School in 1937 and Asheville Beauty School in 1938. She was a child of the depression, a student of life's struggles and triumphs, and a victor of life. Ruth worked with her husband, Claude, in their Waynesville Beauty Salon until health concerns forced them to redirect their lives to farming, where once again Ruth was a full partner in agriculture, livestock, real estate and the rearing of five children. Meanwhile, Ruth continued her career as an accomplished beautician. She welcomed extended family and friends-cooking, sewing, nurturing, doctoring, and otherwise "mending" family members as only a mother can. "Aunt Ruth" became synonymous with love and caregiver as she opened heart and home to all including WWII European displaced families. Ruth was Nana to ten grand, ten great grand, and three great-great grandchildren. She shared her love of games and competition, helping others to succeed in life, sports, and games. Ruth played basketball throughout her life, shooting hoops into her 70's and parasailing at age 80. Her enjoyment of and expertise with jigsaw and crossword puzzles is a family legend. Significantly important in her life was her church. She joined in the ministry, education, and support of the First Baptist Church of Clyde where she taught Sunday school for more than 30 years, served as deacon and in most other capacities into her ninth decade. Her church family was equivalent to her own. Another facet of Ruth's life was her commitment to voting responsibilities and rights. She served as District Supervisor for South Clyde keeping and approached current issues with wisdom and forethought. As Ruth passes, so goes a life fully lived, a history inhabited, a central figure of the Zack and Lucy Brown clan and of Haywood County. Ruth is survived by five children, Theresa and her husband, Reverend Dr. Mike Leatherwood of Mooresville and Lake Junaluska, NC; Claude Brown, Jr. (Pat) of Atlanta, GA; Judy B. Griffin of Arden, NC; Reverend Dr. Michael Brown and his wife, Virgie, of Winthrop Harbor, IL; Myrl Brown and his wife, Linda, of Clyde, NC; ten grandchildren, Chad Leatherwood and his wife, Paula; Letitia Reed and her husband, Max; Ashley Hatfield and her husband, Shan; Allyson Phillips and her husband, John; Sara Schlafer, Elaine Stokes and her husband, Dwight; Denise Ewing and her husband, Tony; Dr. Mike Brown and his wife, Kathy; and Clint Brown and Case Brown; ten great grandchildren, Stone Hatfield, Laken Riley, Lauren Phillips, Megan and Toby Ellis, Dustin Stokes, Drew Stokes, Anthony Ewing, Jr. and Brandon Ewing, and Parker and Camden Brown; and three great-great grandchildren, Lilian Lesniewski, and Gabe and Kaeli Rowe; and many extended family members and friends. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 1, 2007 at First Baptist Church of Clyde with Reverend Mike Leatherwood and Reverend Charles Dean officiating. There will be a reception following the service in the church fellowship hall. There will be a private interment at Garrett-Hillcrest Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Clyde, P.O. Box 356, Clyde, NC 28721.

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