Ruthie Mae (Robinson) Williams was born on April 10, 1944, to the late Marion Percy Robinson and Mae Williams Robinson. On April 4, 2026, just days shy of her 82nd birthday, she peacefully departed this life at her residence, surrounded by the very love she had so freely given throughout her life.
She received her formal education in the Colleton County Public Schools, where she developed the strong work ethic, resilience, and quiet determination that would shape her journey and define her character.
At an early age, she accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior and united with Deep Creek Missionary Baptist Church, where she served faithfully and wholeheartedly for many years. Her life was a living testimony of her faith -steady, humble, and unwavering – even as her health began to decline.
She was united in holy matrimony to the late Rossie Lee Williams. Their union was blessed with four children.
Her early employment started at D&B Manufacturer as a seamstress, where she worked for many years. She was later employed at Aaron’s Beauty and Barber Supply. Ruthie loved assisting others and later became employed at Access Network as Director of the Healthy Eating Program. This was a position she truly enjoyed as she saw it was a way to impact the lives of others in the community.
She was a devoted wife to her late husband and a loving mother to her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Rossie Lee Williams; her brothers: Edward and Charles Robinson; her sisters: Owilender McQuire and Doris Mole; and her daughter-in-love, Rosalyn Williams.
Loving memories of Ruthie Mae Robinson Williams will be cherished by her family. Her children: Torrie Williams of the home, Eric Williams, Janet (Ron) Simmons, Shedron (Cassandra) Williams; Bonus daughter, Eleanor Fennell and her children; son of the heart, Darius Bradley and his children; a god-daughter, Nikki Wright; Grandchildren: Marquita (Milton) Patterson, Rozadeem Johnson, Winston Oliver, Lauren (Khalil) McGuire, TraVon Williams, Ariel (Javonte) Jamison, Jasmine Williams, NyAsia Jamison, Kyri Williams, Elijah (Ashley) Fennell, Sean Fennell, Byran (Tianna) Fennell, and Brandon Fennell; Eleven great-grandchildren: Four sisters: Ellen Capers, Oris Buckner, Margie (James) Fennell, Gennett Youmans, and Barbara (Isaiah) Doctor; Raised as a brother, Gregory Roberson; Sisters-in-law: Ruth Robinson, Ida Mae Williams, Willa Mae Williams, Carolyn Williams; Brother-in-law, John Perry Williams; Devoted friends: Thelma Fennell, Gwen Bampfield and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends; Three loving caregivers: Phyllis Johnson, Gloria Deloach, and Jackie Lock.
Ruthie Mae was the heart of her family. She was a woman of extraordinary strength, compassion, and generosity—a devoted mother whose love knew no boundaries and whose presence created a sense of safety, warmth and belonging. Her home was more than a place. It was a refuge to many. To know her was to feel cared for, to feel seen, and to feel valued. She gave selflessly, often placing the needs of others before her own, never hesitating to share whatever she had, even when it was her last.
Yet beyond her strength and giving spirit, Ruthie Mae carried a light that could lift even the heaviest hearts. She had a unique and beautiful ability to make people laugh – an effortless humor that brought joy into every room she entered. She was known for her quick remarks, telling looks that told the whole story, and natural wit.
Her work ethic was unmatched. In every role she held, she labored with excellence, dignity, and pride, earning the respect and admiration of all who encountered her. But it was her hands—gifted, skillful, and guided by love—where her artistry truly lived. Ruthie Mae possessed an exceptional gift for creativity and craftsmanship. With remarkable precision and care, she designed and constructed beautiful clothing pieces by hand, from tailored suits to lovingly crafted gowns. Many mornings began before sunrise, as she would sew dresses for her daughter to wear to school that very day-ensuring she not only looked her best but felt her mother’s love wrapped around her.
Her creations were never just garments; they were expressions of devotion. sacrifice and pride. And she did not keep those gifts to herself, Ruthie Mae found joy in teaching, in sharing, and in pouring into others. She passed down her knowledge and skills to her grandchildren and those around her, instilling in them a sense of confidence, creativity, and self-worth. Through her hands, she created beauty-but through her heart. she created legacy.
Ruthie Mae's life was a testament to what it means to truly love, to truly serve, and to truly give. Her absence leaves a space that can never be filled, a silence that will be deeply felt. Yet, her presence remains in every lesson taught, every life she touched, in every laugh she shared, and every act of kindness she extended.
She was deeply loved. She will be profoundly missed. And she will never, ever be forgotten.
