RUTH WALKER SMALLWOOD

Ruth Walker Smallwood, age 96, peacefully transitioned from her earthly home to her heavenly home on Friday October 2, 2026, just 26 days shy of her 97th birthday. She was a native and lifelong resident of Marrero, LA. Ruth was a 1947 graduate of Gilbert Academy in New Orleans, LA. After, many years as a wife, mother, and homemaker, Ruth enrolled at Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) to obtain her undergraduate degree. As an education major, she had to transfer to the Baton Rouge Campus to complete her student teaching. Shortly after receiving her Bachelor of Arts Degree, she gained employment with the Jefferson Parish Public School System, dedicating 34 years as an elementary school teacher, before retiring in 2003. Ruth was a devoted and faithful member of Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church, Jefferson Federation of Teachers, LA Retired Teachers Association, and Jefferson Retired Teachers Association. Beloved wife of 70 years to the late Percy Smallwood, Sr. Devoted mother of Wanda Smallwood Hill, Angela Smallwood Carter, LaVern Smallwood, Yolanda Smallwood (William) Payne, Kent Smallwood, Jeffery (Nicole) Smallwood, Sr., Randal (DeShon) Smallwood, and the late Percy “Chucky” Smallwood, Jr., and Karen Smallwood Matthews. Grandmother of the late Sterling and Jeffery Smallwood, Jr. Daughter of the late Albert Walker and Elnora “Mama Pearl” Brown Walker. Loving sister of Audrey Walker Dixon, Myrtle Walker Weber, and the late Albert, Jr., Wilbert Walker, Sr., and Bernadine Walker Vidal. Mother-in-law of Janice Smallwood and Joseph Ray Matthews. Also cherishing her memories are 15 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. Relatives and friends of the family also pastors, officers, and members of Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church and all neighboring churches are invited to attend the Celebration of Life at Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church, 1000 Walkertown Way Marrero, LA, on Friday October 16, 2026, at 10:00a.m. Pastor Thomas J. Brown, Jr., officiating. Viewing will be held from 8:00a.m.-9:50a.m. ONLY at the above named church. Interment: Restlawn Park Cemetery-Avondale, LA Arrangements by Davis Mortuary Service 230 Monroe St. Gretna, LA. To view and sign the guestbook, please go to www.davismortuaryservice.com