Ruth Barbara Strong Smith, 91, of Columbia, South Carolina passed away peacefully at her home on March 28, 2021. She was born December 21, 1929 to Andrew Strong and Nellie Elizabeth Williams Strong. Ruth was predeceased by her husband of 35 years, Thomas Lawrence Smith Jr. whom she loved dearly. She is survived by her sons Thomas Lawrence Smith III of Columbia, South Carolina and Duane Jeffrey Smith and his wife Lori Smith of Hamden, CT. In addition she was Grandma to Sharee Smith of South Carolina, Brandon and Taylor Smith of CT and Joy Smith of South Carolina.

Ruth was proud to be a  graduate of Mather Academy a private African American school in Camden, South Carolina. In 1928, it was one of the first South Carolina schools for African Americans to offer a 12 ^th grade. In 1934, Mather's high quality of education earned it a class " A" school rating of distinction held at the time by only three other schools in the state. The combination of black students co-existing peaceably and equally with white teachers and administrators during segregation made Mather an "oasis" of race relations.

Ruth Smith graduated  top of her class as valedictorian  in 1947.

Although Ruth was likely to go to college she fell in love with Tommy L. Smith Jr.  and started a family. Ruth and Tommy married in 1960  and raised their two sons in CT for 27  years. Ruth Retired from Western Electric (AT&T LUCENT) in  1989 after 22 years of service years before moving to South Carolina in 1990.   They enjoyed friends and family and were gracious and kind to everyone in their lives.

Funeral Services will be private to immediate family members only.  Flowers are more than welcomed at Hamden Memorial Funeral Home 1300 Dixwell Ave Hamden, CT 06514 . The Smith Family says thank you to all of your prayers to this glorious and amazing spirit of a daughter, wife, mother and grandmother. Condolences may be expressed at Hamdenmemorialfuneralhome.com.