Ruth Alexander

Ruth Rachel Wingo Alexander, age 86, of Gulfport, passed away on Thursday, June 18, 2009 in Gulfport. She had been ill for several years.
A native of Arkansas, Mrs. Alexander moved to Jackson, Mississippi with her husband, Justus Lafanso Alexander, and their children, in 1955. In Jackson she was an active member of the First Assembly of God Church, where she faithfully attended, taught Sunday school and sang in the choir. From the time the family moved to Gulfport in 1967, she was a member of Gulfport First Assembly of God Church. Her life was dedicated to serving her Lord Jesus Christ and to caring for her family. In a school essay on, aÌ‚â‚Å“My Grandma,â₝ one of her grandsons wrote, aÌ‚â‚Å“There isnaÌ‚â‚â„¢t anything she would not do to help any one of us.â₝ Even in her final days in the hospital, she was actively watching for ways to make those who were caring for her more comfortable.
During their years in Gulfport, Mrs. Alexander enjoyed working with her husband in several small businesses. After their children were grown she also took great pleasure in helping to raise their grandchildren, and staying in touch with their large, extended family.
Her husband, J.L. Alexander; her son, Jimmy Don Alexander; her father and mother, Herschel E. and Cora Gipson Wingo; and her brothers, Ralph, H.E., Dub, and Raymond Wingo preceded her in death.
She is survived by two daughters, Charlotte Thomas and Dr. Beverly Johnston; her son-in-law, Rupert Patrick Johnston; six grandchildren, Dr. Melissa Thomas, Fortune Alexander, Dr. Justus Thomas, Dr. Joshua Thomas, Dr. Rebecca Ruth Johnston and Christopher Johnston; one granddaughter in law, Annette Alexander; three sisters, Rita Brawner, Cleta Hughes and Rebecca Jenkins; three brothers, R.J., Bill and Bob Wingo; several sisters-in-law and brothers-in law; and three generations of nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Alexander will be buried on Monday, June 22 in the Biloxi National Cemetery beside her husband and sweetheart of 66 years. Her funeral will begin at 9:30 AM at RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOMES, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport, MS 39503. There will be a visitation on Sunday, June 21, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM. Any donations in her honor should be made to Memorial Hospital Foundation, Post Office Box 940, Gulfport, MS 39502. She loved the Lord her God with all of her heart, mind and spirit, and hoped that all who read this might do the same. Her gentle, loving influence upon all whose lives she touched will not be forgotten.
aÌ‚â‚Å“For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life,â₝ John 6:40.
An online guestbook may be signed at www.riemannfamily.com.