Ruth Shuford was born in Sanford, North Carolina to her proud parents Aaron and Ollie Cole on July 1, 1928. She was the seventh of ten children. After completing high school, Ruth migrated to Harlem, New York in 1948. Shortly after her move, Ruth met Lonnie Shuford. In the fall of 1949, the pair joined in holy matrimony. Ruth and Lonnie were blessed with five children: Ronald, Angela, Martin, Valerie, and Jeffrey. Ruth’s passion and belief in the value of education led to a lifelong commitment and shaped nearly every chapter of her life thereafter. Ruth received her associate degree from Borough of Manhattan Community College. Later, Ruth furthered her education, receiving her bachelor’s degree from Marymount College. Ruth first volunteered at P.S 83 in East Harlem, a role that soon grew into a full‑time position as a paraprofessional. From the early 1970’s until her 2009 retirement, she worked for the New York City Board of Education across several elementary schools, serving as a reading and math specialist and a one‑on‑one instructor for special education students. She also worked at day care centers and after-school programs as the Group Teacher introducing young children to reading and writing. Ruth believed education was the key to advancement and strived to be of service to the community. She volunteered with Community Board District #4, where Ruth served on the board and chaired several committees dedicated to promoting literacy and expanding educational opportunities. She also worked with the New York City Summer Youth program, helping local adolescents complete their applications.Ruth’s intellect and abilities were not only limited to educational endeavors. In the early 1980s,she became the go‑to tax preparer for dozens of friends and neighbors, completing returns at her kitchen table armed with nothing more than a pencil, pad, and a sharp understanding of income tax. In 1992, Ruth stepped in as the legal guardian for her granddaughter, Keisha—a responsibility that required her to appear before who she described as an “aggressive but smart judge.” A few years later, Ruth recognized that same judge on television. From that moment on, she became a devoted Judge Judy fan, faithfully watching every episode. In June 2020, Ruth moved to New Jersey—first living with her granddaughter, then settling into Spring Hills, an assisted living facility in Somerset. Ruth adapted quickly to the suburban setting, often describing the relocation as “a dream come true.”On Friday, July 31, 2026, Ruth departed this life at the age of 98, surrounded by her family. She has gone to join her parents Aaron and Ollie, her husband Lonnie, her siblings John, Andrew, Glayds, Rachel, Moses, Deborah, Josiah, Joanne, John Ollie, and her two daughters Angela and Valerie. Left to celebrate her life and legacy are her sons: Ronald, Martin, and Jeffrey; grandchildren Keisha, Tamika, Jennifer, Jocelyn, Jeffrey Jr., Jeanine, Julien, and Selina; great-grandchildren Gabrielle, Spencer Jr., Chelsea, Jenaya, Deon, Kira, Amanda, Jayden, Kendall and Kairo; sister-in-law Rachel; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. Ruth will be dearly missed by all whose lives she touched.“May the Lord repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge". Ruth 2:12

The Family