Ruth Virginia Gray-Townsend

Ruth Virginia Gray-Townsend, a pillar of faith and love, gracefully transitioned to her eternal home on March 8, 2024, in Smyrna, Delaware, at the age of 99. She was born as the fourth of thirteen children to the late George P. and Rosa Yancey in Louisa County, Virginia.

Ruth's journey was marked by her unwavering devotion to her faith and family. She received her education in the Louisa County Public School system and was baptized at an early age at Laurel Hill Baptist Church.

Ruth followed her sister, Mary, to Washington, D.C where she began her young adult life. In 1946, Ruth embarked on a new chapter in Newark, Delaware, where she encountered the love of her life, William Henry Gray. Their union blossomed into 59 years of cherished marriage. Settling in Paulsboro, NJ during the 1960s, Ruth became a member of Second Baptist Church of Paulsboro. Upon returning to Newark, DE in the 1970s, she reinstated her membership at Pilgrim Baptist Church, where she remained a steadfast member until her passing.

Within the walls of Pilgrim Baptist Church, Ruth served diligently on various ministries, exhibiting leadership and devotion. She held positions such as Vice President of the Choir, President of the Deacons Wives, Missionary Board, and the Willing Workers ministries. Her voice graced Pilgrim’s Senior Choir and Ever Ready Chorus.

Beyond her service in the church, Ruth worked in food service at Army War College in Washington, D.C and Louviers in Newark, Delaware and as a nurse’s aide at a Freehold, NJ nursing home. She found joy in bowling, singing, and sharing meals with loved ones. Her warm smile and comforting embrace endeared her to all who crossed her path. Though she had no biological children, Ruth's love for her nieces and nephews knew no bounds, and she embraced them as her own.

Ruth had a special bond with her brothers, often sharing cherished moments filled with laughter and song. Fondly known as "the boys," her favorite activity with the Yancey Brothers was singing her favorite song, 'Come On In This House.' Alongside her brother James, Ruth found joy in simple pleasures like sharing meals (her favorite, chicken), reminiscing about old times, and sharing hearty laughter. Even during her stay at the nursing facility, their bond remained unbreakable as they continued to enjoy each other's company, often serenading fellow residents with their harmonious voices.

Ruth found love again, when she married Cecil Townsend, whom she lovingly called a "good man." Their affectionate bond was evident to all who knew them, inspiring admiration and warmth. They were the most senior couple known to be married at Pilgrim Baptist Church and they shared 5 years of marital bliss.

Even during her time at the nursing facility, Ruth continued to minister to those around her, spreading the joy of the Lord through hymns and encouraging words. Her presence illuminated the lives of the staff and fellow residents, fostering a sense of community and love.

Ruth's legacy of faith, love, and familial devotion will forever remain in the hearts of her loved ones. Her spirit lives on, illuminated by the eternal promise of II Chronicles 7:14, her favorite scripture. Let us find comfort in the knowledge that she has found peace in the arms of our Heavenly Father, where she will continue to shine brightly, illuminating the lives of all who were blessed to know her.

Ruth’s unwavering devotion to her family was matched only by her steadfast faith in the Lord. She leaves behind her brother, James Yancey (Janet), sisters-in-law, Dorothy Yancey and Claudia Yancey of Newark, DE, Ruedene Yancey of Kissimmee, FL, stepdaughter, Carla Townsend, along with a host of godchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was particularly close to her devoted nephew and niece, Dwight and Jeanette Yancey, and her caregiver, Delphine Lewis. A special mention is reserved for her dear friend, Jency Pannell.

Ruth shall be remembered along with her loved ones who preceded her in death. Among them is her husband, Cecil Townsend, her parents, George and Rosa Yancey, eleven siblings: Mary Garlic, Eleanor Graves, Harvey Yancey, George Yancey, Jr., Ernest Yancey, Frank Yancey, Solomon Yancey, David Yancey, Julia Whitley, Joseph Yancey, Jessie Gibson, and stepdaughter, Barbara Hines.