Ruth Debnam Sumner (affectionately known as Baby Ruth), an identical twin and one of seven lovely daughters, was born on November 2, 1928, in Rocky Mount, North Carolina to the late Thomas and Naomi Debnam. On Sunday, November 6, 2022, Ruth ascended to her Heavenly home.

Upon completing her studies at Booker T. Washington High School, Ruth would soon start a family.  She united in marriage to Zeb Sumner, her beloved 'Z'. To this union, Illawennette and Wilhelmenia were born.

The family left Rocky Mount to establish roots in Newport News, Virginia, where Ruth continued her lifelong love of fashion. She was employed at The Broadway for several years, and later at La Vogue, one of the premiere clothing stores in the local shopping district. Ruth would retire from Virginia Specialty Stores after 4o+ years.

Ruth was a Believer and steadfast in her faith; she proclaimed to the end that the Lord would take care of her - and He proved to be faithful. She began her faith walk at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Rocky Mount, NC, later moving her membership to First Baptist Church East End under the pastoral leadership of Rev. W. M. Brown Sr. Ruth enjoyed church and her church family for over 70 years. To that end, Ruth was dedicated to her role on the Service Board and, in later years, along with her husband, cherished being honored as Mother & Father of the Church.

She loved traveling to see her family and bus excursions to different sites. Above all, Ruth was a life force for her family - a woman with a strong Christian foundation upon which she built her life. She was also treasured and loved beyond measure.

Ruth was preceded in death by parents, Thomas and Naomi; sisters, Naomi (twin), Geraldine, Wilhelmenia, Eloise, Marion, and Johnsie; son-in-law, John E. Hill, I.

She is survived by her husband of nearly 75 years, Zeb Sumner; daughters, Illawennette S. Hill, Durham, NC  and Wilhelmenia Sumner, Hampton, VA; grandchildren, Tracie D. Sumner, Chesapeake, VA, John E. Hill, II, and Jennifer W. Hill, both of Cary, NC; great-grandchildren, Naeem T. Freeman and Jaylynn N. Hill, both of Durham, NC. Also mourning Ruth's loss are her nieces and nephews, forever bonded by heartstrings.

A funeral service will be held at 12 noon, Saturday, November 12, 2022 at First Baptist Church East End. Interment will follow in Hampton Memorial Gardens. Viewing will be from 3-6 pm. on Friday, November 11, 2022 at the funeral home and two hours prior to the service at the church on Saturday.  O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.