Ruth Taylor Howard, 98, of Kinston, passed away, Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at UNC Lenoir Healthcare.

A Graveside Service will be conducted Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at 11:30am at Pinelawn Memorial Park with the Rev. David Harrington officiating. The family will receive friends at Edwards Funeral Home from 10:00 - 11:00am prior to the service.

Ms. Ruth and her husband Marshall, and the rest of her family moved to Kinston in the early 1950’s where Marshall went to work for the newly opened Dupont plant. After staying home for a few years to raise her family she also went to work for Dupont. They both remained employed there until her husband had to retire due to his health. Ms. Ruth cared for her husband, worked, and took care of her family until she eventually had to also retire. Her husband passed away in 1975. She was a unique person to say the least. She was kind and generous. She was a person who believed in the value of a dollar. She believed in being on time for any appointment she may have had. She was a Christian and loved her church family at Lane’s Chapel Church and they loved her just as much. She loved, cherished, and cared for her daughter’s little 4-legged animals in the last few years of her life. She was outspoken and didn’t mind telling you “what’s what.” To know her was to love her, plain and simple. She loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and would do anything to try and help them. Ms. Ruth was just Ms. Ruth, and she will be so sorely missed. Her legacy of kindness, care, and love will continue to inspire and comfort those who were fortunate enough to know her.

Ms. Ruth is survived by her daughter, Brenda Deans (Leon); son, William Howard (Shannon); grandchildren, Kristen Marshall Deans, Jason Matthew Deans (Kelly); great-grandchildren, Austin Christopher Deans and Morgan Elaine Deans. Last, we not forget her 4-legged friends, Jake, Ms. Daisy, Angel, Sport, and last but not least, Tony.

In addition to her parents, Ms. Ruth is preceded in death by her husband, Marshall David Howard; brothers, Woodard, Julian, and Herbert, sister, Lessie. She is also preceded in death by numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lenoir County SPCA, 3200 US-258, Kinston, NC 28504 or to Lane’s Chapel Church, 12040 NC-55, Dover, NC 28526.

Arrangements made by Edwards Funeral Home & Cremations. Online condolences may be expressed at www.edwardsfhc.com.