Dr. Ruth Evelyn Johnson

Dr. Ruth Evelyn Johnson was born in Africville but lived in Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia for over 57 years. After moving to Lower Sackville in 1946, she became a member of the Cobequid Road Baptist Church, where she played theDr. Ruth Evelyn Johnson organ for more than 44 years. Many knew her as "Dr. Ruth" after she received an Honorary Doctorate Degree of Humane Letters in 1991 from Mount Saint Vincent University. For over 60 years, she dedicated herself to countless organizations and charities. In 1988, she was recognized for her extraordinary devotion by receiving the prestigious Harry Jerome Award. Dr. Ruth participated in countless community associations, charitable institutions, and volunteer organizations. She donated many objects from her home to museums and travelled regionally, nationally and internationally to make presentations on the numerous community activities in which she was involved. Dr. Ruth was a founding member and president of the Black Cultural Centre of Nova Scotia. She was the president of the Ladies Auxiliary, a member of the Lucasville Baptist Church, a Sunday school superintendent of Cobequid Road Baptist Church and supervisor for young people of the A.U.B.A. Dr. Ruth's work with Northwood Care group, was instrumental in the construction of a senior citizen's complex in Sackville. Her selfless devotion and strong faith was invaluable and inspirational to all that knew her. Those who have been affected by her amazing gifts and love will always remember her.

-Article by Samantha Loppie