Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

Mrs. Ruth B. Harrison, affectionately known as “Mother Ruth,” entered eternal rest on September 16, 2025, in Senoia, GA. She was a devoted woman of faith, a prayer warrior, and a loving presence to all who knew her.
Ruth was born on July 15, 1923, in Havaco, WV to the late George Washington Bowles and Roberta Gertrude Bailey Bowles. One of thirteen children, she was the last surviving sibling of her family. Ruth graduated from Bluefield State University with a bachelor's degree and graduated with her master's degree from New York University. From an early age, she displayed a heart of service and a steadfast commitment to God that would define her entire life.

She was united in marriage to the Zollie Harrison II, and together they built a home centered on love, faith, and family. To this union was born one son, Zollie (Buddy) Harrison III. Ruth lived a life rooted in prayer, faith, and unwavering belief in God. Her prayers and dedication became a source of strength to many. Ruth was a faithful and dedicated member of Deliverance Evangelistic Center, under the leadership of the late Apostle Arturo Skinner. She was appointed as President of the Worldwide Missions Department where she served faithfully. She organized the local mission ministry so teams would go into the convalescent homes, hospitals, prisons, and jails to share the good news of the gospel. There were teams that also visited those that were homebound and couldn't come to church. Evang. Harrison was also instrumental in making sure that those who were serving in the armed services were remembered. They received care packages and communication from the church. As a journalist, Ruth wrote articles for the Deliverance Voice magazine.

When Ruth and her husband relocated to WV, she served under the leadership of Bishop T. D. Jakes at the Potter's House until the ministry relocated to TX. Ruth was led to join Heart of God Ministries, under the leadership of Bishop Fred T. Simms where she continued her service with the same devotion to God and his people. She founded the Action Prayer Room. As she taught and encouraged the intercessors to go deeper and further in prayer it became a powerful ministry of intercession and encouragement to countless souls. Her zeal and enthusiasm for prayer and the work of the Lord was realized by all who knew her.

To her family, Ruth was more than a matriarch, she was a guiding light whose love, wisdom, and kindness shaped generations. To her friends and church family, she was a source of inspiration, strength, and joy. Many will forever remember her as a prayer warrior whose faith never wavered and whose words of encouragement lifted spirits in times of need.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Zollie Harrison II; her son, Zollie (Buddy) Harrison III; and all her siblings: brothers, Dr. George Bowles, Cortez Bowles, Langston Bowles, Bobby Bowles, and one brother who did not survive birth; and sisters Juanell Bowles, Dr. Roberta Jackson, Marie Bowles, Betty Miller, Lucille B. Anderson-Hines, Elizabeth Rice, and Constance Bowles Eve.

To cherish her memory, she leaves a devoted daughter-in-love, Ollie Harrison; four grandchildren; Kevin Brooks, LaGrant Harrison (Kimberly), LaMonique Benford (Will), LaNore Guillory (Devin); twelve great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and dear friends.

Ruth leaves behind a lasting legacy of prayer, faith, resilience, and love that will continue to live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who were blessed to know her. Though she will be deeply missed, her life's work and her prayers will continue to impact lives for years to come.
"WELL DONE THOU GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT ENTER INTO THE JOY OF THE LORD.”
Matthew 25:23

Funeral service will be 12:00PM Saturday, October 4, 2025 at Heart of God Ministries 1703 S. Kanawha St. Beckley
Burial will follow in Monte Vista Cemetery
Princeton, WV.

Friends, while wearing masks and observing social distancing, may visit with the family one-hour prior.

To livestream visit heartofgodministrieswv.org

Email condolences to ritchiejohnsonfuneralparlor@gmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.