Ruthie Mae Smelley Kirkland Martin

Robert A. Waters Funeral Home

Obituaries | The Tube City Almanac | July 26, 2017

Ruthie Mae Smelley Kirkland Martin, 78, of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, passed away Monday, July 24, 2017 in UPMC McKeesport Hospital.

She was born March 26, 1939 in Bessemer, AL, daughter of the late Hilliard and Etheline Kirkland; She was also preceded in death by her long-time companion, Charles Edward Williams.

Ruthie was an active member of Christ Temple A.M.E. Church, where she served as a member and President of the Senior Choir, a member and Secretary of the Gospel Chorus, The Mass Choir and was a member of the Templelaires. She also served on the Stewardess Board #1 and was a Trustee. She obtained her Associates Degree in Business from CCAC and worked as a Seamstress.

Left to cherish her memories are her daughter, Evangelist Renee Martin Brawner (Jonathan Jones) of Turtle Creek; her adopted daughter, Vanessa Walker of McKeesport; her granddaughter, Rashonda D. Brawner (Daryl Alston) of Turtle Creek; her grandson, Kareem A. Long (Katie Barlow) of Jacksonville, FL; four great-grandchildren, Aushad A. Brawner, Sequoya R. Brawner, Jermaine Callwood, Nevada D. Alston, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many loving friends.

Friends will be received Thursday, July 27, 2017 from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Christ Temple African Methodist Episcopal Church, 937 Rose Street, McKeesport, Pennsylvania, where services will be held Friday, July 28, 2017 at 11:00 am with Rev. Geoffrey Tate officiating.

Interment will be private.

Arrangements entrusted to the Robert A. Waters Funeral Home, Inc., McKeesport, PA.

Originally published July 26, 2017.

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