Ruth Walker Obituary

Ruth Bowers Walker, of Barnwell, SC, passed away in her home on July 11, 2025 in the presence of family and friends, at the age of 89, following a brief illness. Her departure is accompanied by great sorrow that is heavily felt by all who knew and loved her.
Born in Furman, SC on October 6, 1935, Ruth was the daughter of the late Sydney and Lillian Bowers. She was one of nine children.
Shortly after graduating from Furman High School, Ruth fell in love with and married Joseph Franklin Walker, Sr., of Estill, SC, on August 21, 1953. The couple shared an impressive 70 years of marriage together.
Throughout her working career, Ruth took pride in her 40 years of service as an employee of Barnwell Woolen Mill-Deering Milliken, until her retirement.
Presently a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Barnwell, SC, Ruth served for many years as a Sunday School Teacher. She will most certainly be remembered as a Christian lady with a spirit devoted to her ceaseless faith.
Although there were many aspects of Ruth's life that brought her joy, the love for her family endlessly granted her the most happiness! She effortlessly passed-down her love for the water and fishing to her children, Jody and Jennifer, who gladly accommodated their parents any opportunity they wished to spend time "at the river", where Granny easily out-fished everyone in the boat! Ruth was devoted to her role as a mother and grandmother, and never fell short of demonstrating her love and making sacrifices to ascertain her family's needs were properly met.
Knowing how blessed she was that the Good Lord granted her an earthly life of 89 years, Ruth was known to express how thankful she was to have been granted the opportunity to play an active role in not only the lives of her grandchildren, but also her great-grandchildren, who she absolutely adored. Her obvious love for her family was passed on to her grands and great-grands, who were also blessed to have had the opportunity to make many irreplaceable memories, alongside their precious "Gran-Gran".
Our Granny was loyal and generous, with an enormous heart. She was wise, clever, and full to the brim with knowledge gained through her countless life experiences. Hers was absolutely a life well-spent. Even as we say our good-byes, we lift up her life as an inspiration of true love, grace, and wisdom. You will forever be loved, admired, and missed, Granny
Survivors include son: Jody (Angie) of Knoxville, TN ; daughter: Jennifer (Edwin) Jones of Barnwell, SC; Five Grandchildren: Angela (Heath) Walker, Amber (Michael) Polk, Lanny (Carly) Jones, Tara (James) Davis, Trent Walker; Nine Great-Grandchildren: Aven and Kaia Tomar, Avery and Elloree Jones, Kipper, Kullen, and Kamrie Polk, and Walker and Marshall Davis; One Sister: Shirley Way.
She was pre-deceased by her husband: Joseph Franklin Walker, Sr; Parents: Sydney and Lillian Bowers; Four Sisters: Jeanette Murdaugh, Carolyn Bowers, Barbara Murphy, Libby Owens; Three Brothers: Rudolph Bowers, Willie Bowers, Carl Bowers.
Funeral Services will be held Monday, July 14, 2025 at 2PM at Calvary Baptist Church, located at 8744 Marlboro Avenue, Barnwell, SC 29812. Services will be conducted by Rev. Dean Deer and Rev. Dale Hutto. Burial will follow at Siloam United Methodist Church.
Friends and family may attend visitation at Calvary Baptist Church on July 14, 2025, at 1PM.
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