Annie Ruth Parker

Annie Ruth (Scroggins) Parker was born in Wetumka, Alabama, to the proud parents of the late Eddie Lee Scroggins and Ruth Louise (Hampton) Scroggins. At the age of twelve, Annie moved to Cleveland, Ohio, with her family.

She attended Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Middle School, where she graduated. The school was the first African American Catholic School in Cleveland, Ohio. She then attended John Hay High School.

On November 3, 1951, Annie Ruth Scroggins and Alfonso Parker were united in holy matrimony. To this union, five children were born: Annatte, Marcella, Patricia Ann, Kanzetta and Alfonso Juon.

Annie Ruth worked at Bamberger-Reinthal, producers of knitted garment outerwear. She also worked as a Lunch Aid at Andrew J. Rickoff Elementary School where she liked working with the children. For many years, she also worked for the Board of Elections as a Poll Judge.

Annie Ruth was a member of Second Tabernacle Baptist Church, where the late Reverend Thomas E. Chapman presided.  After he left, she followed him to Avon Avenue Baptist Church, where she joined in 1967.

She was an active member of the Nurse’s Guild, Missionary Society, Culinary Committee, and the Choir. She worked at the church’s Hunger Center, passing out food and other items.

She was a member of the PTA at her children’s elementary school.  She also donated blood to the American Red Cross.

Fondly known as “Scroggins,” Annie Ruth loved going to Woodhill Park (Luke Easter) and playing softball with her family in tow. She loved all kinds of sports, she was a Cleveland sports fan, and consistently attended opening day Indians games until she was no longer able to.

Her favorite football team, however, was the Pittsburgh Steelers. Occasionally she would enjoy bowling a game or two.

Annie Ruth loved family.  If she wasn’t visiting relatives out of state, they were constantly visiting her home; she attended many family reunions. She enjoyed playing board games with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Because of her love for the game, she mastered Bid Whist. She constantly unseated a plethora of opponents.  Pokeno was her second favorite card game.

On March 20, 2023, Annie Ruth was called to the house of the Lord where she was re-united with family and friends. She is preceded in death by her mother, Ruth Louise Black; father, Eddie Lee Scroggins; sister, Nell Lee Petite; and granddaughter, Lynnette M. Stewart.

Annie Ruth leaves cherished memories with her devoted husband, Alfonso Parker of 71 years; sister-in-law, Ellen Parker (Love-deceased); children,  Annatte, Marcella, Patricia Ann, Kanzetta and Alfonso Juon; grandchildren, Sherman, Katrina, Kathryn and Jonathan; great-grandchildren, Marcus, Michael, Shayla, Sherman, Isaiah, Kylin, Caleb, and Keira; great-great-grandchildren, Ayden, Jace, Maurice and Love; nieces, Linda, Trina, Denise and Brenda; nephews, James and Raymond; along with a host of other cousins, relatives and friends.