State Mother Ruth E. Bigham went home to be with the Lord on January 1, 2017.

Ruth is survived by her husband of 48 years, Sam H. Bigham; children, Rufinda Sherrial Scott and Leander Bigham (Rockie); granddaughter, Aniya Bigham; grandsons, Golden Morrow III (Stacy), DelVaunte’ & Daijah Scott; great grandchildren, Trayshawn & Taraji Berry, Alaysia, Sage & Goldyn Morrow; sisters, Lorene Moore, Hattie Hale, Frances Smith (Robert), Carrie McKinney, Ella Dawson, Renata Jones (Larry); brothers, Bishop Riley Dawson (Joan), Joe Nathan Dawson, Silas Dawson, Jr., Billy Dawson (Esther) and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

2 Timothy 4:7-8  I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.

Finally there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.

Obituary – A Joyful Life

On July 14, 1948, Ruth E. Bigham was born to the late Silas & Francis Dawson, Sr. in Milan, Tennessee. She was the fifth daughter and the seventh child of twelve children.  A beautiful smiling baby girl, she was intelligent and determined to accomplish every task in her life.

Ruth attended Polk Clark High School in Milan where she was a cheerleader, an outstanding student and spelling bee champion.  Following graduation she moved to Chicago to work with her brother, Riley.  Ruth soon grew homesick for Sam, her high school sweetheart, and returned to Milan. Later they married and became the parents of two wonderful children, Rufinda Sherrial and Leander Bigham.  She cherished her family.

In her youth, Ruth confessed faith in Christ at Holy Temple C.O.G.I.C. under Supt. Elder Balark.

In 1970, she and Sam moved to Cleveland where she studied under the pastoral leadership of Supt. F. E. Perry at East 105^th Street C.O.G.I.C.  Ruth also served, diligently, in the ministries of her brothers, the late Supt. Robert L. Dawson, Sr. at Dawson Temple C.O.G.I.C. and Bishop Riley Dawson at Four Corner Star Pentecostal Church where she was ordained District Missionary and State Mother.  She worked in various positions including teaching children. Most of all, she enjoyed teaching about Christ.  Since 1976, Ruth resided in Oakwood Village where she impacted the lives of many in the community.

Nothing hindered Ruth’s faith walk or time with family.  During the annual Dawson family reunions, she led her sisters in songs of praise such as “I Don’t Want No Peanut Butter and Jelly” and “Can’t Nobody Do Me Like Jesus.”  Throughout 46 years of reunions, whether on oxygen, cane or wheelchair, Ruth danced and “sang!”  Deep in her soul she would raise her voice, clap her hands, sweat, fan and smile all at the same time.  It was always a joy to be in her presence when the Holy Spirit took control.

When her health challenges increased, her ministry expanded all the more.  She began touching lives through social media on a daily basis.  She was tech savvy!  Consistently giving to others, Ruth received recognition from various community organizations such as Cleveland Clinic, American Heart Association, American Cancer Foundation and United Way.

On the evening of January 1, 2017, God welcomed His good and faithful servant into Heaven and crowned her with righteousness and life everlasting.