Donna Ruth Morris Green was born in High Point, Guilford County, N.C., on February 3, 1940, to the late Ernest Clifford Morris and Clara Louise Brock Morris. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Martha Elaine Green of Dillon, S.C.
She graduated from Hannah High, Anderson, S.C., and as a Registered Nurse from Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland. She pursued advanced courses at Texas Woman’s University, Denton, Texas as well as other schools. In 1963 she met John Green of Birmingham, Alabama, at First Baptist Church, Dallas, Texas. They married in Anderson, S.C., June 27, 1965.
Surviving relatives include her husband, John Green of Pittsboro; two daughters, Dr. Rachael Annette Clemens and husband David Clemens of Chapel Hill, and Dr. Rebecca Green and husband Jim Tietz of Shaver Lake, California, and two grandchildren, Linden Lea Clemens of Chapel Hill, and Emma Chih-Hsun Green of Shaver Lake, California.
Donna Ruth and her younger sister grew up in a devoted Christian home. After serving in the U.S. Navy during WWII, her father worked various jobs to support his family until settling in as manager of several auto parts stores in Anderson and Belton, S.C. Louise, Donna Ruth’s mother, worked for many years at Sears and Roebuck until retirement.
Growing up, Donna Ruth was active in the Pope Drive Baptist Church. She also worked part time in the ticket booth of the local movie theater. She excelled in her school academics and graduated with honors from Hannah High. She then pursued a nursing career at Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, graduating as a Registered Nurse in 1962.
Donna Ruth and John met at First Baptist Church, Dallas. They were greatly influenced by the Pastor’s expository preaching ministry. They were also blessed with many friendships, especially that of FBC staff member Ms. Millie Kohn, and the Bible study classes taught by a layman Mr. Earl Koepf. Consequently, Donna Ruth supported John as he pursued several years of study at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. She worked as an R.N. at Dallas hospitals as well as the Buckner Baptist Children’s Home medical facility.
Donna Ruth and John enjoyed 55 years of marriage. They raised their family while pursuing engineering and nursing careers. Being bi-vocational, John also served as Pastor of five churches. They have fond memories of their ministry and friends in Texas, Utah, Oregon, Colorado and Virginia.
A treasured highlight of Donna Ruth’s life was teaching ESL (English as a Second Language) to university students in Chengdu and Wuhan China during four summer trips.
And yes, her family will forever remember with fondness her incredible skill at cooking delicious yet healthy southern food, her love of a good cup of tea, and the joy she took in singing.
She provided a legacy of one who loved Jesus Christ, read and knew her Bible, and deeply cared for others. She never failed to pray daily for her husband, daughters and family by name. In her walk with Christ, she has left many footprints and precious memories for us to treasure until we join with her at home in heaven.
The family received friends Monday, May 10, 2021, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Donaldson Funeral Home and Crematory, 396 West St., Pittsboro, N.C. The funeral service was held Tuesday, May 11, 2021, at 1 p.m. at Mount Olive Baptist Church, with Dr. Joshua Peeler presiding. Burial was in the church cemetery.
The family would like to thank the support staff of Liberty Home and Hospice Care as well as the SECU Jim and Betsy UNC Hospice House, Pittsboro, N.C.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Mount Olive Baptist Church, 5043 Mt. Olive Church Rd., Pittsboro, N.C. 27312; Sequoia Parks Conservancy, 47050 Generals Hwy 10, Three Rivers, CA 93271 https://www.sequoiaparksconservancy.org, www.sequoiaparksconservancy.org; United Voices of Praise Gospel Choir, c/o United Church of Chapel Hill, 1321 M.L.K. Jr. Blvd., Chapel Hill, N.C. 27514
Condolences may be made at www.donaldsonfunerals.com .
Donaldson Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Green family.