Ruth Adams Small

   Ruth Adams Small died peacefully on Saturday, December 31, 2022, at the Franke Keil Healthcare Center in Mount Pleasant, SC at the age of 94. She was born on August 21, 1928, in Blounts Creek, NC to the late William Bryan Adams and Bessie Luther Adams.

   Ruth attended the Watts School of Nursing in Raleigh, NC where she earned her degree as a Registered Nurse. She worked in the newborn nursery at Rex Hospital in Raleigh prior to her marriage to Murray Johnson Small Sr. After getting married, she gave up her nursing career for the more important role of being a stay-at-home mother and wife. She and Murray were married for 57 years prior to his passing in 2006. She had four children who were her greatest love. Ruth was the epitome of unconditional love and devotion and was always there for her children, no matter what the circumstances. Her happiest times were spent surrounded by her loving family. Ruth had a sweet spirit that was infectious to others, and she loved to talk to everyone. She befriended everyone she met. Her warm smile will be missed by all who knew her.

   She is survived by her children, Murray J. Small Jr. and wife Beth of Isle of Palms, SC; Betty S. Mallard of Black Mountain, NC; and Robert A. Small of Charlotte, NC. She was preceded in death by her son, William Earnest Small. In addition to her parents, son, and husband, she was also preceded in death by her sister, Lela Frances Harrington of Dunn, NC, and her brother, Lewis J. Adams of Washington, NC.

   Ruth has three grandsons, Murray Jay Small, III and wife Nicolle of Bedford, New Hampshire; Christopher H. Small and wife Emily of Raleigh, NC; and Aaron M Hudson, and wife Kristen of Raleigh, NC. She was blessed to have 6 great grandchildren - Julia Small, Catherine Small, Hyatt Small, Janie Small, William Hudson, and Margaret Hudson.

   Ruth was a dedicated member of the Baptist Church for many years, and most recently was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Isle of Palms, S.C. She had a devout Christian faith and showed it in the way she lived her life.

   The family would like to formally acknowledge the professional and compassionate care provided by The Keil Healthcare Center at Franke at Seaside. We will be eternally grateful for the round-the-clock care provided by Ruth’s nurses, CNAs and the entire staff.

   A celebration of life will be held at Franke at a time to be announced.

   Additionally, a 1:00 p.m. visitation at Miller Funeral Home in Edenton, NC will be followed by a 2:00 p.m. graveside service at the Beaver Hill Cemetery on Saturday, January 7th.

   The family respectfully suggests memorials in lieu of flowers to the benefit of Franke at Seaside, Keil Healthcare Center and/or The First United Methodist Church in Isle of Palms, SC.