Ruth Elnor Pearce Hazelwood

On Friday, August 9, 2024, Ruth Elnor Pearce Hazelwood, surrounded by her loved ones, went to sleep to be placed in the safest place known to mankind, her Heavenly Father Jehovah's memory.

She was born June 2, 1940, to Rebecca Ann and Perry James Pearce. Ruth was preceded in death by her son, Jay Anthony Gillette, her brothers James (Buddy) Pearce and Wesley Pearce.

She is survived by sons, Jeffrey Franklin Gillette (wife Joanna Gillette), and Daniel Milton Gillette (preceded in death by Judy Gillette), and sisters, Carolyn Campbell and Margaret Spenser. She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren, Jeniffer Gillette-Dionne (Jim Dionne), Joshua Daniel Gillette, Elizabeth Anvess Burgos (Harold Burgos), Jack Anthony Gillette and great-granddaughter, Scarlett Leigh Dionne. Finally, she’s also survived by beloved family member, Angela Brooks Gillette.

One of her first memories as a child was walking in the woods near her home praying for God to make Himself known to her. It was something she made a matter of prayer for many years. Her prayers were answered when overhearing someone offer a Bible study to learn about a peaceful paradise on earth. This piqued Ruth’s interest, and she wanted to learn more. This idea of a peaceful, earthly paradise appealed to her as she had lost a sister when she was a young child herself, Catherine, who died at just two years old. She had fond memories of Catherine and spoke of her often.

Ruth had many Bible questions and was amazed that every question she asked was answered from the Bible. She dedicated her life to Jehovah God and was baptized on October 2, 1976. After her baptism, she greatly valued her life in her service and worship as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

One of the things that brought her the most joy was having a weekly Bible Study in her home. She also hosted meetings for the ministry throughout the week. This weekly arrangement grew so that soon there was a need for a congregation, and one was formed in the town of Swansboro. Due to her diligent efforts in teaching others about the Bible, there were countless ones who gained their relationship with their heavenly Father because of her assistance.

As Ruth became older, her children grew older and began to have children and grandchildren of their own. She often referred to herself as a mother hen that always wanted to have all her little baby chicks under her wings so that she knew they were safe. Only when all were in one place, was she truly content.

Ruth was also an artist that sold every painting she ever set out to sell. She loved to paint old downtown Swansboro from the perspective of being on a boat across the White Oak River, where she had spent many a night fishing.

Ruth had a master green thumb and grew everything she ever tried to grow. She always had a garden, be it big or small. Even in the nursing home, she gained great happiness planting tomatoes and flowers.

She knew every trick in the book and was happy to share them when anyone mentioned gardening.

Although these things were all very special to Ruth, God’s Kingdom is what was most important to her. The resurrection hope laid out at John 5:28, 29, helped her always remember that she would soon welcome back her son, her sister, her brothers, and all her many loved ones she had lost over the years. Her faith in Jehovah God took precedence in all things she did.

It’s her family’s turn to now take comfort in that scripture in John 5:28 and remember that “the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out". When helping others, Ruth would often quote Revelation 21:3,4 which promises a time when no person on earth will have to suffer again. She especially liked the thought that “God will wipe out every tear from their eyes, death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away".

Ruth’s memorial service will be held at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Swansboro on Sunday, September 8th, with videos and music at 3:45pm followed by the funeral program at 4:00pm. All are invited to attend.

Condolences and life tributes may be sent to the family at www.justcremations.net

Arrangements by Just Cremations, Morehead City, NC.