Ruth Atkinson, 94, of Odum, Ga. passed away peacefully Saturday, April 15, 2023. She was born Miriam Ruth Campbell on May 3, 1928 in Tatnall County and later moved to Odum where she grew up. Through the years, while raising five children, Ruth held many jobs as a civil servant. Her career, which extended well into her 70's, included positions with local and county government, as well as The Department of Defense Criminal Investigative Division. Many Wayne County families will remember Ms. Ruth from her receptionist position at the Parks and Recreation Department, a community service position she held through the Green Thumb Senior Organization. Ruth worked hard, loved strong, and felt deeply for her community and the world around her. She was known for speaking out and speaking up. Her well-pinned letters frequently appeared in The Press Sentinel and other local publications. Ruth was also very outspoken about her faith. She loved to talk about the Bible, its Truth, and the faithfulness of her Lord. She was a life-long member of Odum Baptist Church. Known as Ruth, Ms. Ruth, Mama, Grandma, G'ma, or Aunt Ruth, she loved her family well and gladly embellished their daily lives to all who would listen. A widow since 1983, and the youngest girl of seven children, Ruth was preceded in death many times. She is currently rejoicing with her husband, Dane Atkinson, her parents, Estill and Ila Campbell, her son, Derryll Morris, and her siblings.

Ruth is survived by four children, Shad, Dana, Sonia, and Tammy, 15 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 11 AM Monday, April 17, 2023 at Odum Baptist Church with Pastor Kipp Manning officiating. Interment will follow in the Odum City Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be her grandsons. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church. The family would also like to recognize the devoted staff of Lakeview Retirement Center in Baxley as well as those from South Georgia Hospice in Jesup as honorary pallbearers as these wonderful caretakers have carried Ruth and her family with diligence, care, and love through this difficult and tender transition.

Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home of Jesup is in charge of arrangements.