Birth Date: 09/23/1933
Deceased Date: 07/29/2023
Ruth Victoria Johnson, age 89, passed away at SECU Hospice House in Smithfield on July 29, 2023. Born in Johnston County on September 23, 1933, she was the daughter of the late Jesse John Johnson and Annie Victoria Johnson.
Ruth was one of 13 children and the second youngest. She was raised on her parent’s farm in Johnston County along with her siblings. Ruth graduated from Corinth Holders in 1951. She married Jesse Van Bass in 1953 and moved to Newport News VA. She graduated at the top of her class from Hampton Institute (now Hampton University) in 1976 with a Bachelor of Science degree. he worked as a nurse for 25 yrs. before she retired to be a full-time grandmother. Ruth and Jesse had 2 daughters. After Jesse’s passing in 1977, Ruth moved back to the farm in Johnston County that she inherited and built a home.
In addition to her parents, Ruth is preceded in death by her husband of 24 years and 11 siblings.
Ruth is survived by her daughters, Cathy Ann Stubbs and husband Dale of Clayton, Vanessa Leigh Duke of Zebulon, Sister; Jessie Mae Pearce of Zebulon, grandchildren; Terrance (Terry) Bridges, Jennifer Narron and Husband John, Robert (Robby) Stubbs, and wife Chiara, Kaitlin Duke, and great grandchildren; Emily Narron and Kelsee Narron.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at Parrishfh.com
