Ruth Watts Ainsworth

It is with heavy hearts we announce the peaceful passing of Ruth Elaine Watts Ainsworth on January 25, 2024, at her home in Clinton. Born on May 3, 1933, in Gulfport, she was preceded in death by her mother and father Vernon and Ruth Watts of Gulfport, her high school sweetheart and beloved husband of fifty-seven years Charlie Ainsworth, and her siblings Vernon Lee Watts of Pass Christian and Barbara Ann Phagan of Fort Walton Beach, FL. 

A devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, “Mawmaw” leaves behind a legacy of love through her four children Vicki Heafner of Hernando, Willie Ainsworth (Robin) of Hernando, Beverly LeBlanc (Mike) of Edwards, and Cristy Bath of Raymond. She found joy in watching her family grow and prosper, witnessing the blessings of her grandchildren Justin McLendon (Christie), Ryan Ainsworth (Kayla), Jeremy McLendon (Marcille), Allie Pollock (Drew), Eric Ainsworth (Kasey), Madye Bath, Leslie Stingley (Steven), and Leah Sherman (Taylor) along with the additional blessings of her twenty-one great-grandchildren. She also is survived by her two brothers Randy Watts (Deborah) of Liberty and Richard Watts (Shelia) of Cash, TX.

Ruth lived each day with grace, kindness, and love. Her life was a testament to the power of faith and the joy that comes from a life dedicated to Jesus’s teachings. She taught Sunday school for over fifty years and was an active member of Morrison Heights Baptist Church. She retired from Mississippi College and was an avid fan of the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Ruth’s faith inspired others to embrace compassion and forgiveness. May her memory live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her, and may we find comfort in the knowledge that Christ’s resurrection assures us of eternal life.

A memorial service to celebrate Ruth’s life will be held on Monday, January 29, 2024, at 11 a.m. with visitation at 10 a.m. at Morrison Heights Baptist Church in Clinton. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Morrison Heights Baptist Church Missions Ministry, 3000 Hampstead Blvd., Clinton, MS 39056.