"THE FINAL CURTAIN CALL"

The setting was July 5, 1933. The location was rural Hanover County in a small town called Coatesville. The cast consisted of a young married couple, Robert Williams and Lavinia Smith Williams, who gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, who they named Ruth Morris Williams.

Despite the unthinkable tragedy of losing their mother at the tender age of five, Ruth and her younger brother, Hayward, were lovingly nurtured by their maternal grandparents, Robert E. and Lillie B. Smith. It was their grandparents who instilled Christian values and an unwavering moral fortitude. Ruth accepted Christ at an early age and joined St. James Baptist Church.

Little did her grandparents know of the broad impact their little girl would have on her community.

Ruth excelled academically, and it was through her love of learning that she realized her calling to teach. She went on to become the valedictorian of both her seventh grade and senior classes. She was the first in her immediate family to attend college, graduating with honors from Virginia State College with a major in French and a minor in Spanish.

Her career spanned over 40 years in the Hanover County School system. Ruth, having a very creative teaching style, used dramatic presentations in her classroom to convey and solidify the lessons. She and her students participated in Foreign Language on Stage competitions at Virginia Commonwealth University and won first place awards for three consecutive years.

Her love for the dramatic form of art led her to pursue a lifelong dream of forming a drama company where her original works would be revealed to more diverse audiences. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the Old Dominion Drama Guild was birthed. They prepared regularly for performances whenever and wherever the Lord's people made requests.

Ruth enjoyed and was also gifted in the written form of art. Excerpts of her written work are displayed throughout this program.

With her throughout her life's journey was the love of her life, her husband of 65 years, Joseph William Giles. Together they served the Lord diligently at Bethany Baptist Church in Montpelier, Va.  They later joined and served in several capacities at Trinity Baptist Church. Trinity was instrumental in nurturing Ruth's creative expression.

On September 9, 2026, Ruth's earthly production was completed when God very peacefully called her to her forever home. Heaven has gained another angel.

Ruth leaves to cherish her memory her daughters: Sherry Giles Easter, Josandra Giles-Faniel (Dwight); grandchildren: Dana, Kristen (Davante), Anthony (Candice), Magan, Jon, Tinner, Amber (Jonathan); great grandchildren: Kameron, Kaleb, Brielle, Johari, Kayden, Kendall, Elijah, Josiah; and a host of relatives, friends, and former students.

Among the devoted relatives: Billy Taylor, Yvonne Taylor-Smith, Marian Mickens, Clemmie Gilpin and Josephine Clorey.

During her illness, she was lovingly cared for by her exceptional caretakers, Charlotte Harris of Harris Haven and from Living Green Assisted Living, Adiza Addei and her staff.