Ruth Thelma Kelly Mitchell

Ruth Thelma Kelly Mitchell was born in Emporia, VA on August 3, 1937 and went on to Glory on May 2, 2023. Raised in a God-fearing home, Ruth was one of  twelve children born to Bishop Armstead “Buck” Kelly and Mrs. Hattie Ruth Kelly. To Buck Kelly, she was rarely “Ruth”, but always affectionately referred to as “Baby”. Growing up included a busy life on a working farm which helped stock both, their own pantry and the family store, on the edge of their property. From a young girl, Ruth always knew that the pace of the South was not in her makeup.  Leaving Virginia to move North almost immediately after high school, she set out to begin an exciting life as a young wife and mother.

Ruth would go on to enjoy a full life exploring many talents and fruitful careers. She was the definition of a lifelong learner and was always up for involving herself in new pursuits.  Ruth dabbled as a beautician, enjoyed growing bountiful home gardens, held onto her hobbies of cooking, baking & crochet all while dutifully raising her 6 children.  Having been a preacher’s kid she knew The Way and humbly, our beloved Ruth was led back to Christ by her late daughter Gloria. She was an active member of Miracle Faith World Outreach in Stamford, Ct which later became the Universal Faith Outreach Ministry of Bridgeport where she is still considered an honored mother of the church.  In recent years, Ruth also enjoyed fellowshipping with the Trinity Temple Church of God in Christ, New Haven.

For more than 37 years, she worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse, both on staff and on private duty while providing top-notch care to countless patients and their families. After nursing, Ruth showed us all, she was just getting started.  She managed to reinvent herself once again.  Ruth learned to run a thriving business and the art of floral design, all in the center of the bustling commerce of Norwalk’s Post Road.  Ruth was truly a free spirit who embodied the tireless energy of an inspired entrepreneur. She brought smiles to many first dates, weddings, birthdays and baby showers as the owner/operator of Family Florist & Gift Shop.

Though a talented businesswoman, it was caring for others and community service that was the priority for Ruth her entire life. She had many different passion projects, all focused on helping and healing. Partnering with State agencies, she housed and cared for developmentally-challenged individuals, then started a busy food pantry as an arm of the Connecticut Food Bank.  This labor of love went on for years, feeding thousands of families throughout Fairfield County and only after her health became challenged did she slow her weekly deliveries.  After her second retirement, and a move from Norwalk to New Haven, she trained with the State to become a licensed foster parent which brought her family the joy of giving a safe-place for children in need. Giving was her gift.

Ruth was preceded in death by all of her siblings, as she was the last living of the Kelly children. She will be welcomed into Heaven by James Kelly, Sr., Elder Waverly Kelly, Violet Kinchen, Harold Kelly, Sr., Evangelist Queen Rob, Amos Kelly, Bishop Aaron Kelly, Sr., Neil Hattie Tyler, Thomas Wilbert Kelly, Cephas Kelly, Sr., and William Kelly.  The family finds comfort knowing that The Matriarch has been reunited with her two angels, Gloria and Deborah.

Ruth leaves to cherish her memory: two sons, Kermond Taylor, Jr. and Ralph Taylor, Sr.; two daughters, Darlene Bowen and Charmaine Tourse Davis (Russell); nine grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews and dear friends.

If you knew Ruth, you know she loved to party! Life was always a celebration, even in the toughest of times…at every turn, all she wanted to do was plan the next gathering; for herself, family & friends, or even a stranger who needed to feel joy. She is surely hosting something special in Heaven; dancing and singing, happy to be at peace—forevermore.

A celebration of Ruth’s life will be held on Friday May 12, 2023 at Trinity Temple Church at 12pm. Viewing in Church from 11-12pm. Interment to follow at Oak Grove Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed at Colonialfunerals.com.