Ruthie Calvin

January 13, 1941 - June 12, 2021

Ruthie Mae Calvin was born January 13, 1941 in Webb, Mississippi, the first of six children born to Milton Turner Sr. and Joeanner Byrd. She attended Higgins High School in Clarksdale, Mississippi and was united in holy matrimony to Alfred Calvin Jr. on December 21, 1957, and their daughter Joyce was born. She was baptized, and was a member of Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church where she served as a mother of the church and on the mothers’ board. Ruthie had the designation of Eastern Star, which she obtained while in Clarksdale. She held the position of mental health technician supervisor, and for 54 years worked at the former Kankakee State Hospital, and later as a caregiver for the Jack Charlton family. As a resident of Kankakee for 56 years, Ruthie spent her time crocheting, cooking, listening to music, and as an avid fan of the Chicago Bulls and Chicago Bears. She loved her family dearly and enjoyed helping others. Mrs. Calvin leaves to cherish her memory, her dear daughter, Joyce Calvin-Harmon of Kankakee, IL; sons, Alford and Rosella Calvin-Thomas of Kankakee, IL, Stanley Sr. and Miriam Jones of Philadelphia, Mississippi and Albert Larry Sr. of Chelan, Washington; her siblings, Milton (Vanessa) Turner Jr. of Kankakee, IL, LeRoy (Gloria) Turner Sr. of Greenwood, Mississippi, John (Flora) Gordon of West Memphis, Arkansas, Isaac (Sherry) Welch of Tunica, Mississippi, Leon Wilson of Lula, Mississippi, Delores (Wiley Sr.) Watts of Lawton, Oklahoma, Mildred (Greg) Buchannan of Tutwiler, Mississippi, Linda (Lonnie) Johnson of Columbus, Mississippi, and Doretha Turner of Clarksdale, Mississippi; a sister-in-law, Estella Calvin of Kankakee and good friends, Minnie Springer, Bettie White and Vivian Washington, all of Kankakee, IL; four grandchildren, Marshonn (Tamela) Calvin Sr., Makeyla Calvin, Metrice Calvin and Mickalaia Calvin-King; seven great-grandchildren as well as a host of extended family and friends. Ruthie was preceded in death by her husband Alfred Calvin Jr.; her parents, Milton Turner Sr. and Joeanner Byrd; a brother, Percy Turner; a sister, Mary Lee Montgomery and her son-in-law, Eddie Harmon Jr.