Ruth A. Johnson

Albany- Johnson Arlene Ruth , 80, surrounded by family passed away May 18,2024. Ruth was born on May 15th, 1944 in Albany, New York to the late Janet and William Stratton. Ruth was educated in the Albany School System. After high school Ruth married Herman Johnson, they had 4 daughters.

Ruth accepted Christ at a young age, first being baptized at the Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Albany, NY. Later Ruth joined Universal Baptist Church in Saratoga Springs, NY and finally Metropolitan NTM Baptist Church. Ruth also raised her four daughters in the Baptist church.

Ruth was employed by New York State, Accounting Systems as a secretary for over 30 years, she loved her job and the many friendships she developed there. Ruthie had a feisty spirit, she was very outspoken, she said what she meant and meant what she said. Ruth loved to read the newspaper and watch the news in order to keep informed on current issues and events. She could speak on any topic from politics to Beyonce. Ruth loved to laugh and have a good time with family and friends, especially her grandchildren. She loved being the first to call her children and grandchildren on their birthdays, sometimes as early as 6:00am, to sing the Happy Birthday song, in its entirety, and you dare not interrupt her. She loved calling early morning to report the weather and school closings, "It's going to be hot, dress light", "it's going to be cold, bundle up". Ruth never drove, she took public transportation to and from work every day, she enjoyed sitting in the front of the bus. Ruthie also enjoyed voting and encouraged her daughters to vote. Any "rights" that had to be fought for in her past, she considered a privilege and made sure to honor them.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents Janet and Bill Stratton, her loving sister Dorothy (Edward Sr.) Parsons, her nephew Keith Parsons, her first born grandson Daiman Burkett, her grandmother Victoria Haith and her son in law Harrell Burkett.

She leaves to cherish her memory, four daughters, Jacquelyn Burkett, Deborah (Clarence) Smith, Cynthia (Frederick) Bowman, Annette (Wesley) Marbley, her husband Herman Johnson, one stepdaughter Ebony Johnson-Ramsey, special niece and nephew Sharan and Jamayal Johnson, her loving Sister Beverly (John Sr.) Landy , 4 grandchildren, Camiea (Shawn) Steele , Nigel Ford, Omar Smith, Kenya Bowman, 6 great grandchildren, Daemon (Alexandra) Burkett-Yager , Tiahlina (Isaiah) Manigault, Nimel Ford, Kahmani Steele, Niere Ford and Nyloni and O'saan Smith, 3 step grandchildren, Romello Wilson, Destiny and Michael Johnson, special uncle, Marvin Haith of Washington DC and host of cousins, loving in-laws, nieces and nephews. All of whom she loved dearly.