Ruth Mary Stafford

Ruth Mary (Jackson) Stafford was ushered to her heavenly home September 13, 2023.  

She was born April 16, 1937, in Corning, Arkansas to her father, Robert Earl Jackson, and mother, Effie May (Crafton) Jackson. She lived her teenage years in Detroit, MI, before moving back South.

She is preceded in this life by her very patient husband of 49 years, Agabus Carl Stafford; son, Daniel Robert Stafford; daughter, Patricia Faye Stafford; and grandson, Benjamin Chad Hampson. As well as two sisters, Joan Davis and Jerry Lawson who gave us all, especially Ruth, a sense of loyal support. 

Her surviving family includes her daughter, Deborah Stafford Rice, (Scott) and son, David Carlton Stafford, (Lisa), as well as several grand and great-grandchildren, as well as a number of nieces and nephews.  Also, her dear sister-in-law, Bettie Stafford Croyle. 

She was a long-time member of Temple Baptist Church, Old Hickory, Tennessee.  Where she was baptized at 30 years of age by the late Reverend Darrel Harris. She later served as his secretary for Temple Baptist Church and considered this opportunity as her most humbling and proud vocational endeavors.

Ruth was an Administrative Assistant at the Nashville, TN Department of Labor for 25 years.  

Some of her volunteering experiences included serving as a Cub Scout and Girl Scout Leader while her four children were active members.  She also volunteered at Summit Medical Center in Hermitage, TN. 

Ruth enjoyed, swimming at the YMCA, reading, traveling, container gardening, and watching her hummingbirds.  

The family would like to thank the many hard workers at The Oaks Assisted Living in Fairmount, GA.  who made Ruth’s last days of life, comfortable, despite her daughter attempting to take control.  We could not have asked for more and we offer our most sincere gratitude. A special acknowledgement to both Dianne Grams and Jodi Brooks for introducing The Oaks to our family.   

Ruth’s family was also fortunate to have Pastor Ed and Sue Pottorff (and Mudge) who spent many meaningful hours with Ruth.

The family also wishes to extend a very thankful acknowledgement to the Compassus Hospice staff and Chaplain Josh.   

Thank you, Dolly Harbin, for caring and all the cards you sent and the brownies.

Thank you, Bettie Jackson, for your cards and Servant’s heart. 

Thank you, Amy Bonham, for your sincere cards, visits, and creative meaningful gifts you gave your Grandma.  

Ruth’s daughter would also like to acknowledge a truckload of sincere and compassionate friends from Bent Tree Community, Jasper, GA, for their support, humor, and sincerity.  Sometimes family is not DNA.

Ruth’s greatest love was her children.  

Graveside services will be held on September 17, 2023, at 2:00pm at Mount Olive Cemetery, Hershal Lyles Rd at East Durham Road, Westmoreland, TN. 

Due to family members having COVID, the family is requesting only immediate family and no one under the age of 21.  

If one desires to make a memorial donation in Ruth’s honor, the family suggests the following:

• Mountain View Community Church Children’s Ministry, 470 Bent Tree Drive, Jasper, GA 30143
• Gideon Bible donation (Attention: Woody Vardell) Temple Baptist Church, 110 Fellowship Lane, Old Hickory, TN, 37138