Ruth Smith Wilson, 88, widow of Albert J. "A. J." Wilson, Jr., of Pomaria, South Carolina, died Saturday, May 18, 2024, at Agape Hospice House of Lexington.

Mrs. Wilson was born on May 24, 1935, in Newberry, SC, to the late Olin Smith and the late Georgia Mae Kunkle Smith Wilson. She was a graduate of Newberry High School and was a retired employee of G.E./Phillips Components.

Ruth was a member of Pomaria Lutheran Church, where she served on Church Council, Community Ministry Committee, WELCA, member of the Adult Sunday School Class and the Golden Agers. She also attended the Newberry County Council on Aging. Ruth enjoyed attending the South Carolina Gamecock Football games, but throughout her life, her greatest joy was gardening flowers and plants in her garden, fishing and above all keeping/spending time with her grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and family.

Mrs. Wilson is survived by her son, Albert James "Jimmy" (Pam) Wilson, III; her daughter, Marilyn Wilson (Kent) Bedenbaugh; grandsons, Michael (Julie) Bedenbaugh, Kyle (Bailey) Bedenbaugh and Albert James "Jay" Wilson, IV; step-grandchildren, Jessie (Chad) Shealy, John Renne, and Amy Renne (Blake Ulmer); great-grandchildren, Katherine Bedenbaugh, Wilson Bedenbaugh and Blair Bedenbaugh; step-great-grandchildren, Alana Shealy and Allie Shealy, Kayleigh Ulmer; her sister, Rita W. Yarbrough and her brother, John W. (Ann) Smith. She is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews, as well as a special friend and caregiver, Barbara H. Williams.

In addition to her husband, Albert J. "A. J." Wilson, Jr., she is predeceased by her step-father, R. C. Wilson, her brother, James O. Smith and her sisters, Evelyn S. Crumpton, Grace S. Thomas and Jean S. Jackson, and two nieces Deborah Crumpton and Janie C. Scarboro.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 PM, Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at Pomaria Lutheran Church. Burial will follow in the Pomaria cemetery.

The family will gather for a time of visitation immediately following the committal service at the cemetery and greet friends and family in the Pomaria Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall.

Memorials may be made to Pomaria Lutheran Church, P. O. Box 246, Pomaria, SC, 29126.

Memories and messages to the family may be shared with the family on her tribute page.

Whitaker Funeral Home is honored to serve the Wilson family.