Ruth Smith

Kernersville – Mrs. Ruth Elizabeth Surbrook Smith, 85, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 22, 2021 at Kerner Ridge Assisted Living. She was born on November 7, 1935 in Detroit Michigan to Walter and Jessie Surbrook. Music was a huge part of Ruth’s life. She was an accomplished organist and pianist, and she was a lifelong music teacher. She used her musical talents to serve the Lord, playing in many churches through the years. She continued to play as recently as last month at Kerner Ridge Assisted Living. She was a member of Kernersville Wesleyan Church and was a Pastor’s wife for 55 years. She loved to travel and even went to all 50 states and 8 countries with her husband.

In addition to her parents, Ruth was preceded in death by her loving husband, Pastor James Corven Smith and her great nephew, Wiley Bellen. She is survived by one sister, Esther Bingham; two nephews, Steve Bellen (wife, Deborah) and Tim Bellen (wife, Ellen); two great nephews, Tyler Bellen and Kapena Spring; her cousins, Wayne Peabody (wife, Judy), Howard Peabody (wife, Cathy); along with numerous other cousins, family, and friends.

A funeral service for Ruth will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, May 28, 2021 at Kernersville Wesleyan Church with Pastor Scott Simmons, Pastor Leon Thompson, and Pastor Dan Leroy officiating. Interment will follow the service at Eastlawn Gardens of Memory. The family will receive friends from 10:00 am until 10:45 am prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Victory Mountain Camp at 3594 Youth Camp Road, Sophia, NC 27350. Hayworth-Miller Kernersville Chapel is assisting the family.