With hearts filled with both love and sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Ruth Smith, who peacefully departed this earthly life for her heavenly home on May 12, 2026, at the age of 90 while surrounded by family in Chester, Virginia.

Ruth was born on August 30, 1935, in Inverness, Alabama, alongside her beloved twin brother, the late Ralph Miles, to Ruth Johnson Miles and Eddie Lee "Doc" Miles. After graduating high school in her hometown, Ruth, along with three of her brothers, relocated to Fort Walton Beach, Florida, where she worked in the textile industry. She later made Queens, New York her home, where she lived for more than 60 years. Ruth dedicated many years of service to the New York State Department of Labor as a Receptionist before retiring in 1998.

Ruth was a devoted member of Antioch Baptist Church in Flushing, New York. Even after moving to Virginia in late 2025 to reside with her daughter, her Antioch church family continued to keep her lifted in prayer and surrounded with love until the time of her passing.

Ruth's greatest joy in life was her family. A loving and devoted mother, she made it her mission to provide the very best life for her children. Ruth led by example, teaching faith in God, the value of hard work, and the importance of kindness and decency.

Ruth was also a cherished sister, aunt, godmother, friend, and doting grandmother. Known lovingly by her grandchildren as "Nana" or "Grandma," she was a constant and comforting presence in their lives, faithfully showing up for milestones both big and small. She understood each grandchild's unique personality and needs, showering them with unconditional love, support, and words of Ruth shared deep and lasting bonds with family and friends. She treasured the close relationships she had with her siblings, as they cared for one another and helped raise each other's children.

Ruth maintained lifelong friendships with childhood friends from Alabama, coworkers, and neighbors. She extended that same love and affection to her many nieces, nephews, and loved ones. In her later years, she may have made fewer phone calls and occasionally shortened conversations, but those who knew and loved her understood—that was simply Ruth.

When Ruth wasn't spending time with family, she found joy in life's simple pleasures. She was active and independent, enjoying daily walks to the corner store and outings to the mall. Ruth was also known for her wonderful Southern cooking and found great joy in preparing meals for those she loved, always insisting everyone eat while the food was still hot.

Ruth was preceded in death by her mother, Ruth Johnson Miles; father, Eddie Lee "Doc" Miles; sister, Lillie "Lee" Biddles; brothers M.C. King, James Lawrence Walker, Clarence Manley, Henry "Bo" Miles, George Miles, Major Miles, Belton "Billy" Miles, Ralph Miles, and Eddie Miles Jr.; sisters-in-law Shirley Miles, Mary "Doll" Miles, Murleen Broadnax, Shirley Walker, and Nettie Manley; and daughter-in-law Pamela Miles.

Ruth leaves to cherish her memory her son, Jackie Miles; daughters, Sandra Clark (Alfonso) and Tracy Davis (Keith); and her treasured grandchildren, Sharify Clark (Megha), Tyler Clark, Dominique Clark (Jasmin), Douglas Davis, Corey Clark and Kyle Davis; along with a host of great grandchildren. She also leaves behind siblings, Georgia Pittman of Louisville, Alabama and Preston "Sonny" Miles (Ruby) of Houston, Texas; sister-in-law, Bernice Miles of Queens, New York; brother-in-law, Robert Pittman of Clayton, Alabama; goddaughter, Yvette Cummings-McCoy of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and many other loving relatives and friends.

As we say goodbye to Ruth Smith, we celebrate the life of a woman who was a shining example of kindness, strength, and unconditional love. Though her passing leaves an immeasurable void.

The inurnment of Ruth's ashes will take place at Plain Lawn Cemetery, 279 West Old Country Road, Hicksville, New York, where she will be laid to rest alongside her beloved twin brother, Ralph Miles, reunited once again in eternal peace.

Ruth's Celebration of Life will be held in New York in July. Details will be shared once finalized.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests any donations be made in her honor to Antioch Baptist Church, 103-02 Northern Blvd, Flushing, New York 11368; or Wounded Warrior Project in recognition of this family's service in every war since the nation's birth at https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/ .

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.