Ruth Pemberton Surratt

Ruth Pemberton Surratt passed away peacefully at her home in Biloxi, MS on August 14, 2023, at the age of 81 following a courageous battle with cancer. Her family, dear friends and devoted church family were blessed to have been by her side in her final days. Ruth was born on June 14, 1942, to Garlon L. Pemberton and Anna Marie Pemberton in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

Music was Ruth’s passion and her gift to the world. She had a beautiful singing voice and was a remarkable pianist, playing completely by ear. Growing up in churches pastored by her father, Ruth, her sister Beth and their mother could be found providing beautiful piano music and vocal harmonies. Throughout her life, Ruth enjoyed singing in the choir and playing the church organ, and she was very happy to have been the organist at her home church, Beauvoir UMC. Ruth was a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi. During her career, she worked at Reichold Chemical and Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence. 

Ruth was preceded in death by her son, Alan Trent Boswell (Mar.12, 2023); her husband, Benny J. Surratt; her parents, Garlon and Marie Pemberton; and her brother, Richard Pemberton.

 She is survived by her children Garland Todd (Robin) Boswell of Ocean Springs, Donna Surratt (Mike) Smith of Gulfport and Laura Surratt (Robert) Pair of Picayune; her grandchildren Garland Todd Boswell, Jr., Sally Boswell (R.G.) Pickering, Courtney Pair (Brad) Denmark, and Dylan Bradley Pair; her sister Beth Pemberton Cartee of Gulfport; and her brother Garlon “Buzzy” Pemberton of Biloxi. 

Ruth will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. The family wishes to offer special thanks to her loved ones who provided support and comfort through her difficult days surrounding her illness and the death of her son Trent. The life of Ruth Pemberton Surratt will be celebrated on Friday, August 18 at Beauvoir United Methodist Church, 2113 Pass Road, Biloxi, MS. Visitation will begin at 1:00 PM, and the service will begin at 2:00 PM. Memorials may be made to Beauvoir United Methodist Church, 2113 Pass Rd., Biloxi, MS 39531.

The Riemann Family Funeral Home, 13872 Lemoyne Blvd., 13872 Lemoyne Blvd., in West Jackson County is proudly serving the Boswell and Surratt family.  View and sign online register book and share memories, condolences and photos at www.riemannfamily.com