Date of Birth: 09/08/1951

Date of Death: 09/10/2026

Burial and Interment Information: Private

Obituary and Services:

Ms. Ruth Cooper Edwards of Johns Island, SC entered into eternal rest on September 10, 2026.

The Memorial Service will take place on Sunday, September 13, 2026, 12:30PM at The Johns Island Church of Christ, 2850 Murraywood Rd. Johns Island, SC.

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Ruth Cooper Edwards

September 8, 1951 – September 10, 2026

Ruth Cooper Edwards, 75, of Johns Island, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on September 10, 2026 at home, surrounded by family and loved ones. Born on September 8, 1951, in North Charleston, South Carolina, she was the 7th child of the late Abraham and Sadie Cooper.

In 1970, Ruth married Bernard Edwards. Their marriage spanned more than five decades, until his passing in 2024.

A Life of Achievement and Service

From an early age, Ruth demonstrated intelligence, determination, and a desire to achieve. She graduated from Bonds-Wilson High School in 1968 at the remarkable age of 16. She continued her education at Baptist College of Charleston, now known as Charleston Southern University, where she pursued studies in nursing.

Ruth began her professional career with the Charleston County Health Department. She later embarked upon a second career with the United States Postal Service, where she faithfully served as a clerk for 31 years before retiring in 2010.

A Life Rooted in Faith

Ruth's spiritual journey began during her teenage years when she was baptized into Christ. From that young age, her Christian faith became a foundation of her life and remained so throughout the years.

During her Christian journey, Ruth worshiped and served with the Union Heights Church of Christ, Jacksonville Road Church of Christ, Folly Road Church of Christ, and Johns Island Church of Christ. Wherever she worshiped, Ruth did more than simply attend—she looked for ways to serve.

She worked with children in Bible class, served as a greeter, assisted with registration, and willingly volunteered on committees associated with ladies' retreats and other church activities. If there was a need and Ruth could help, she was willing to do so.

Ruth especially looked forward to opportunities for spiritual growth and Christian fellowship. She enjoyed attending the Ladies' lectureships retreats, Myrtle Beach retreats, and other gatherings centered on faith and fellowship.

Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, when gathering in person became difficult, Ruth found a way to remain spiritually connected. She actively participated online with the She Energy Ladies Bible Class. She was also an active member of the Wintertime II Sisters Group and of recent, faithfully attended Tuesday Bible class studies with the Azalea Dr Congregation.

Ruth loved the church. Worship, Bible study, fellowship, and service were not simply events on her calendar; they were an important part of who she was. She rarely missed an opportunity to gather with fellow Christians, learn more of God's Word, or lend a helping hand.

A Heart for People

Ruth loved people and possessed a special gift for putting the needs of others before her own. She was generous with her time, her resources, and her love. She delighted in giving gifts—not simply for special occasions, but because giving brought her joy.

If a friend needed her, Ruth would drop what she was doing to help. Her kindness was not reserved only for those she had known for years. Even someone she had just met could experience Ruth's generosity if she learned there was a need she could fill.

Within her family, Ruth was the glue that helped keep everyone together. She was the caller, the communicator, and often the one who made sure everyone knew what was happening. She kept family members connected, shared news and updates, and made certain people stayed in touch. Her absence will be especially felt in those moments when the family instinctively expects the telephone to ring and to hear Ruth's familiar voice on the other end.

A Life Enjoyed

Ruth knew how to enjoy life. She loved traveling and especially enjoyed cruises and Jerry's Journeys bus trips. Some of her favorite travels were those that combined her love of going places with her love of Christian fellowship—ladies’ lectureships, retreats, and other spiritually focused gatherings.

And Ruth loved to dress up.

Those who knew her will surely remember the beautiful head wraps that became part of her signature style. Ruth was a master at transforming scarves into distinctive head wraps, wearing them with a flair that was uniquely her own. Whether headed to worship, a lectureship, a retreat, or another special occasion, Ruth enjoyed looking her best.

Ruth lived a life filled with faith, family, friendship, service, and generosity. Her greatest legacy is found not simply in the places she went or the work she performed, but in the people whose lives were made better because Ruth was there.

Cherishing Her Memory

Ruth leaves to cherish her memory her two sons, Fonchello Christy Edwards and Bernard Edwards Jr. (LaToya); her grandchildren, Jordan & Jasmine Edwards, Tyshawn , Michael , LaKeith , Torquilla Edwards, Seth (Laporsha) Bates, Sharkeicia Warthen, Kayla Booker, and Kylan (Myrah) Booker; 17 great-grandchildren, and 6 great great grands; her siblings, Robert Cooper (Retha), Benjamine Cooper (Vola), Albertha Thomas (George), Jeanette Trotter, Delores Grimes (Minister Samuel), and Dwayne Cooper (Doreen); a special niece, Elaine; three special friends, Pat Singleton, Mary Gibbs, and Viola Sinclair; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, church family, and dear friends.

Note: Several names in the “Cherishing Her Memory” section are covered/marked out in the image, so I’ve indicated those portions as [name obscured] rather than guessing.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Bernard Edwards; her parents, Abraham and Sadie Cooper; and her siblings, Joseph, Thomas, and David Cooper, and Betty Holmes.

Ruth's earthly journey has ended, but the faith she demonstrated, the love she freely gave, the family bonds she strengthened, and her countless acts of kindness and service will remain a treasured part of her legacy.

IN APPRECIATION

The family of the late Ruth “Runette” Edwards are eternally grateful for your acts of kindness shown to us through your calls, texts, visits, & cards, and especially your prayers. Surrounding us in love has sustained us and given us strength during this difficult time. We love and appreciate all of you.

Order of Service

Officiating Minister

Minister Alfred Levine

Prelude

Musical Selection

Processional & Welcome

Minister Alfred Levine

Congregation Hymn

“I’ll Be Somewhere Listening”

Invocation / Prayer

Brother Clarence Richardson

Old Testament Scripture

Psalm 23:1–6

Elder Willie Spivey

New Testament Scripture

John 14:1–6

Elder Clyde Washington

Remarks

Patricia Singleton

Longtime Friend

Congregation Hymn

“Let It Rise”

Eulogy & Words of Comfort

Minister Alfred Levine

Benediction

Minister Alfred Levine

Signing of the Visitors’ Book

Following the service, family and friends are invited to come forward, sign the visitors’ book, and greet the family.