SUFFOLK — Ruth Byrum Doughtie, 91, formerly of the 8800 block of Whaleyville Boulevard., passed away on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2015, in Autumn Care of Suffolk.

Mrs. Doughtie was born in Chowan County, North Carolina, on Aug. 14, 1924, and was a daughter of the late Willie Oscar and Corrie Dale Byrum.

She loved her life as a homemaker and enjoyed working with her flowers, gardening and helping on the farm with her husband of 69 years.

A longtime member of Reynoldson Baptist Church, she was faithful in attendance and in many leadership positions and activities as long as her health permitted. Another area of enjoyment was her membership in the Whaleyville Chapter No. 137, The Order of the Eastern Star, where she had served as Worthy Matron. Her greatest joys other than her family was helping others and serving her church and community. She had an enormous amount of faith and that faith sustained her family, especially during her time of illness.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Wallace Ray Doughtie; by her infant son, Wallace Ray Doughtie Jr.; a sister, Mabel Hare; and by three brothers, Elbert, Roger and Winfred Byrum.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Sandra Edwards and husband, Frankie, of Franklin, Virginia; two sons, Stuart Doughtie and wife, Ann, of Suffolk, and Michael Doughtie and wife, Sarah, of Gates, North Carolina; seven grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and many members of the Byrum and Doughtie families.

The funeral will be on Wednesday at 2 p.m. in Reynoldson Baptist Church, and will be officiated by the Rev. Cody Brinkley and the Rev. Billy Presley. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Friends may join the family on Tuesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in Miller Funeral Home, 304 Main St., Gatesville, North Carolina, and again in the church social hall following the service on Wednesday.

Memorial contributions may be made to either Reynoldson Baptist Church, in care of Charles Cale, 8353 Longstreet Lane, Suffolk, VA 23434, or to the charity of one’s choice.

The family asks that you provide a random act of kindness to someone in her honor.

Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.