Obituary of Ruth Counts Williams

Ruth Alice (McDowell) Counts was born on March 22, 1928 to the late Anna L. Harris and Crawford McDowell in Trenton, New Jersey. She received her early education attending elementary and high school in Trenton. She married the late McClelland "Mac" Williams on March 27, 1948 and to their union two children, Jocelyn and Michael were born. Ruth's drive and desire to grow academically motivated her to attend Harlem Hospital School of Nursing were she graduated in 1956 and became a registered nurse working in hospitals in Plainfield and Summit. She continued her education attending Kean University (formerly Newark State College) graduating with a B.A. in elementary education in 1971. She accepted a teaching position at Theodore Schor Middle School part of the Piscataway (NJ) Board of Education. Reading was her passion and enhancing students reading skills was her intention. She became a Reading Specialist in 1982 after obtaining a M.A. in Education in 1975 from Seton Hall University. She also worked with high school students preparing for college. She retired from PBE in 1988. She worshipped and periodically taught Sunday school at Mt. Zion AME, Plainfield for over 25 years before moving to Evanston, Illinois in 1989 where she became a member of Sherman United Methodist Church. Ruth lived a full life. She was an excellent cook, seamstress, and gardener. She enjoyed playing pinochle and bridge, entertaining friends, and hosting family gatherings. She was a loyal and trusted friend. Brutally honest, genuinely caring, and willing to give of her time, talents and knowledge, Ruth influenced the lives of all who met her. She leaves to mourn her children Jocelyn (Jerome) Mallard, Evanston, IL and Michael (Natalie) Williams, Union, NJ; her grandchildren, Daina and Siebron Mallard, and Hamzah Williams; her siblings Paul Harris, Ezra Harris, and Sue Burnett; and a devoted friend Hazel Williams; and nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends. She will be missed by all whose hearts she touched.