Ruth Marie Courtney Freeman was born in Hampton, Virginia on September 24, 1922 to Myrtle Nette Brown Courtney and Vernon Mahone Courtney.  Ruth had a fraternal twin brother, Rufus Stanley Courtney, who became a medical doctor. Ruth earned a scholarship to the historic Hampton Institute (later known as Hampton University) and graduated from the Hampton Institute School of Nursing in 1943.  There she met the love of her life Robert Patrick Freeman who was an identical twin.  They were married on February 3, 1944 and their union produced four children: Lillian Patricia (deceased) Vivian Doris, Wanda Renee and Robin Marie.  They remained married for 50 years until Robert's death on August 20, 1994.

Ruth was an accomplished musician and enjoyed playing piano, often performing duets with her husband for guests.  She came in contact with Jehovah's Witnesses in Pasco, Washington, later becoming baptized in 1951.

As a Registered Nurse, Ruth helped to care for many family members, friends, and neighbors.  She was employed briefly by the Dixie Hospital Maternity Ward and Prenatal Care Unit, and later, she worked for the Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind located in Hampton.

Ruth passed away peacefully on October 17, 2024 at the Northampton Nursing Home in Hampton at the age of 102.  She is predeceased by her husband, Robert P. Freeman, son-in-law, Benjamin L. Daughtry, six brothers and two sisters: Vernon, Oliver, Joseph, James, Stanley, and Ernest Courtney, as well as Lillian Henderson and Vivian Taylor.  She is survived by a brother, Ivan Breon Courtney (Geraldine) and a special niece, Ruth Marie Harris; three children--Vivian Daughtry, Wanda Bach (Douglas) and Robin Freeman; three grandchildren--Leah C. McCullough (Andre), Lauren M. Daughtry and Benjamin P. Daughtry; two great grandchildren, Kairon and Cameron McCullough; as well as a host of nieces and nephews.

Viewing will be held from 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Friday, October 25, 2024 at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel.  Funeral service will be held 1:00 p.m. Saturday, October 26, 2024 at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses; 1625 Big Bethel Rd. Hampton.  Interment will be in Hampton Memorial Gardens.