Mother Ruth White

"May the works I've done speak for me"

Mother Ruth Lee Bailey White A.K.A. “Babe Ruth” was born October 15, 1940, to J. Best Sr. and Ruth Forte Bailey in Donaldson, AR. Ruth transitioned to her heavenly home on Wednesday, August 17, 2022. The foundation had been laid many years ago in preparation for that day, for she had confessed Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and was baptized and filled with the Holy Ghost at Tate Temple COGIC. She later united with Baring Cross under the leadership of Elder Eddie Bailey until his departure. She loved her church family and always gave her best service.

Mother White was a graduate of Peake High School. She was married to Ruel Lee White Sr. in 1960 and to this union, 5 children were born. She was a devoted mother who raised her family to know and love the Lord. This includes grandchildren, great-grandchildren, foster grandchildren, and a number of other people. Her hobbies included: working with children and caring for others.

Mother White had an infectious smile, with a kind and loving heart. We never heard her raise her voice. In her 81st season of life, she passed quietly, and peacefully from this life into the loving arms of our Lord. She was preceded in death by her parents, J. Best Sr., and Ruth Forte Bailey; husband, Ruel White Sr., children, Ruel Lee White Jr., and Eric White; 3 grandchildren, 4 brothers, and 2 sisters.

She leaves to forever cherish her memories of her: 3 children, Sandra Jackson, of Arkadelphia, AR, Bridgett (Gordon) Welch, of Mt. Morris, MI, and Jacqueline (Frederick) Bragg, of Sparkman, AR; daughter-in-law, Janetta White, of Broken Bow, OK; 2 sisters in laws, Earline Bailey and Hazel Bailey, both of Arkadelphia, AR; 2 brothers, J. Best Bailey, Jr., and Earl (Belinda) Bailey, both of Arkadelphia, AR; 14 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Visitation will be at Mitchell Funeral Home in Arkadelphia on Friday, August 26, 2022, from 12 noon-6 P.M. The homegoing celebration will be at St. Paul A.M.E. Church Arkadelphia, AR, where Pastor T.W. Scott is Pastor at 1:00 P.M. Rev. J.L. Newborn will officiate and Superintendent LeRoy Williams will serve as eulogist. The burial and final resting place will be at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in JoAnn, AR. 

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