Ruth Bearden

Lena Ruth Hawkins Bearden\ Pearl\ \ Ruth Bearden, "Grandma Digger," age 89, was born November 20, 1918 in Dublin, MS and passed away August 13, 2008 in Jackson, MS.\ \ She lived in numerous small towns throughout MS as a child growing up and in Jackson until 1974 when she moved to Pearl and resided until her death.\ \ She was preceded in death by husbands: V.O. Whitehead and D.C. Bearden; mother, Nettie Belle Winborn; father Albert Russell Hawkins; brothers: Howard Hawkins, Chelsea, and Clarence, Russell; son-in-law, Jerry Ward; grand-daughters: Jerrie Lynn and Racheal Elizabeth.\ \ She is survived by daughter Faye Ward Chappell and son-in-law Rodney Chappell; grandchildren: Michele Ward Wixson and husband, James Grant of Monticello, Yvonne Brinkley and husband John of Texas, Michel Wayne Ward and wife Traci of Pearl, Dawn Slade and husband Jerome of Laurel. \ \ Her grandchildren are: David Wayne Hubmann, Chasity Ann Weathersby, Jerome Slade, Kristen Slade, Justin Wayne Brinkley, and Jerry Michel Ward. \ \ She is also survived by her loving sister Ida Mae Martin and niece Linda, niece and nephew Carole and husband Dr. Willie Greer and their children; and her loving friend and sister-in-law Eula Hawkins and many more nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews in all of western U.S.\ \ Ruth Bearden was artistic, an avid gardener, an independent and light-hearted spirit and was like a child herself when with her grand and great-grandchildren. She loved animals and often took in strays.\ \ She was very smart, taught by her father and was self-taught. Even with an eighth grade education, she finished the LPN nurse's college course and received a license.\ \ Her hobbies included reading, getting mail and playing cards every day. She got her name "Grandma Digger" when her first grandchild David asked what to call her. She was still "digging in the dirt" and tending flowers and her garden at soon-to-be 90.\ \ She was a nature person, so it was appropriate that she was baptized at a little church in Goss, MS at Holiday Creek by a millstream.\ \ Grandma was loved greatly; a light and inspiration to never give up in our lives and will be missed forever.\ \ A family memorial was held at Chancellor Funeral Home in Florence, MS on Thursday, August 21, 2008 at 3 p.m.\