On Sunday, October 30, 2022, Naomi Ruth (Skelton) Witherington of Bartlett, TN passed from earth to heaven, and joined the heavenly host in the worship of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Ruth was born in Eupora, MS on March 30, 1932, one of 5 daughters born to Spencer and Naomi Skelton, all of whom have preceded her in death.  She is survived by her husband of more than 67 years, the Rev. James D. Witherington, Sr.; her son James D. Jr. (Barbara); her grandchildren Evan (Misty) Witherington of Goodlettsville, TN; Ryan (Nikki) Witherington of Cottontown, TN; her step-grandchildren Nicole (Eric) Clark of Lakewood, NY, and Michael Sorce, Jamestown, NY; her great -grandchildren Juliette, Noah, Archer, and Scarlett, and her step-great-grandchildren Andrew, Thomas, and Hanna; nieces, nephews, and countless others whom she claimed as her own.

Ruth graduated from Messick High School, Memphis, TN, from Union University, Jackson, TN, and earned a graduate degree in English Literature from Memphis State University.  While she was a student at Union she met the love of her life, Jim Witherington, whom she married on February 14, 1955.  In May of 1956 their family was expanded when Jim Jr. was born.  Over the next 60 plus years they served 7 different churches in the Memphis area. In addition to being a minister's wife, Ruth had a career as an English Literature teacher in higher education. Some of the colleges at which she taught included Memphis State University, Embry-Riddle, and most recently the Baptist Health Sciences University.  Ruth had a love for English Literature, and shared that love through her classes.  She always expected the best from her students, and they always responded.

Writing was a way of life for Ruth, and if one was to peek into her study in the early morning hours, you just might find her typing away on her computer, composing a poem, writing a story, or putting into words some thought or idea that had occurred to her while she was sleeping.  She also loved the performing arts.  The perfect husband/wife date night for her was a trip to see a play at the Orpheum Theatre.

Ruth loved to travel, especially to England.  She and Jim shared many adventures on their numerous trips, no matter where they went. There was never a need to hire a tour guide, as friendships were easily formed, friendships that would last beyond the dates of their visit.

Ruth was also an avid sports fan, especially when it came to Atlanta Braves baseball and Memphis Tiger basketball. If you were to telephone their home, in addition to conversing with Ruth, you just might get to listen to the television commentary of a Braves game! Headphones were Ruth's best friend when the Tigers were playing, allowing her to multi-task no matter where she was!  And oh! Her love of birds! Peterson's "Field Guide to the Birds" was her constant companion, along with a pair of binoculars so she could see their beauty up close.  A perusal of her bird book would reveal dates, places and underlined sentences where this bird or that bird was sighted.  Feeders for finches, cardinals, and hummingbirds, dot the yard of her home, and the hulls of sunflower seeds and cornbread crumbs cover the driveway.

Thoughtful.  Kind.  Generous. Gracious. Funny. Compassionate.  Considerate.  Patient.  Disciplined. Intelligent. Creative. Loving wife.  Wonderful mother. Non-judgmental. These are just a few of the many adjectives that have been used to characterize Naomi Ruth Witherington.  But perhaps the best description isn't in just one word, but in a statement found in John 15:12.  Jesus said, "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." Ruth took that to heart. His love defined her love, and that love permeated all that she did, all that she was, is, and ever will be.