Ruth Brown Piper

Ruth Brown Piper, 94, of Eltham in New Kent County, Virginia, passed from this earthly life to her heavenly home on August 13, 2018. Ruth Perry was born at home in Barhamsville, Virginia, on July 4, 1924. She was the youngest child of the late Joseph Winfred Brown and Hattie Bradenham Brown. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Robert “Bob” Piper and her brother, W. Clinton Brown. Ruth is survived by her son, Robert E. “Chip” Piper; her daughter, Perryann Whitehurst; four loving grandchildren, Rachael and Gabrielle Piper, and Chase and Bobby Whitehurst; one beautiful great-granddaughter, Amelia Quinn Franklin; her sister, Virginia Vranian, nephews, a niece and other close family members and friends along with a very special caregiver, Donna Palmer. Ruth began her working life with an education from Smith-Deal Massey Business College in Richmond, VA. She was employed with the Naval Mine Depot in Yorktown, VA where she met her soulmate, Robert “Bob” Piper. After their marriage and the birth of children, Chip and Perryann, Ruth went back to work at the Cliff Wheel Company located in West Point, VA. From there, she spent over 40 years as the bookkeeper for Bob Alley Towing. After retirement, Ruth volunteered at the Riverside Nursing Home for many years. She was a member of the “Lively Ladies” support group for widowed women. Ruth was a devoted member of Tabernacle United Methodist Church. Ruth was a God loving and faithful servant. She never met a stranger and trusted all in her presence. Ruth’s home was always open and welcoming with a smile and homecooking for all who entered…a true caregiver. Ruth was a supportive follower of her grandchildren’s activities, in the stands or auditoriums. She was a strong, proud and loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She filled each with her love, devotion, integrity and values. All of this will be missed deeply, but will be carried on in our own hearts and wonderful memories. Meemaw, we will miss you always, and will continue to live life like you showed us. You were a gentle lady, caregiver to all around you and a trusting soul, and today we celebrate your life. Heaven now has its newest Angel and we know you have been reunited with your loving sweetheart, Bob “Big Daddy”. A funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Thursday, August 16th at Tabernacle United Methodist Church, 20051 Tabernacle Road, Barhamsville, VA 23011. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Vincent Funeral Home, 417 11th Street, West Point, VA 23181. Memorials may be made to West Point Volunteer Fire Department & Rescue Squad, Inc., PO Box X, West Point, VA 23181 or Tabernacle Memorial Association (Address above).

Ruth Brown Piper

July 4, 1924 - August 13, 2018