Ruth Harland

Mary Ruth Harland, 86, went to be with the Lord on Friday, November 8, 2024. A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at Ray Funeral Home in Cleveland, Mississippi, with a Celebration of Life immediately following at 11 a.m. in the chapel. Interment will be at North Cleveland Cemetery. 

Ruth was born on December 16, 1937, in Tutwiler, Mississippi, to Coleman Agnew Jennings and Ophelia Kellum Jennings. She attended Derma and Cleveland High School.

Throughout her life, Ruth dedicated herself to her career at Baxter Laboratory and her beloved family. Known for her warm spirit and devotion, she was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She spent her most treasured moments with her grandchildren, Amanda Patrick and Scott Calhoun, as well as her great-grandchildren, Lexie Moreland, Nick Patrick, and Tyler Patrick. She took immense pride in their achievements and found joy in their company. 

Ruth was deeply involved in her church community as a member of Providence Baptist Church, where she not only embraced her faith but also shared her musical talents as a member of the choir. Those who were fortunate enough to know her remember her vibrant personality and the light she brought to gatherings.

In addition to her commitment to family and faith, Ruth was an enthusiastic participant in the women’s bowling league, where she made lasting friendships and memories.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Agnew and Ophelia Jennings; her beloved husband, Teddy Harland; and infant daughter, Ellen. 

 She leaves behind a loving family that includes her daughter, Wanda Calhoun (Larry) of Dover, Arkansas; granddaughter, Amanda Patrick (Michael) of Batesville, Arkansas; grandson, Scott Calhoun of Dover; great-grandsons, Nick Patrick and Tyler Patrick of Batesville; great granddaughter, Lexie Moreland (Nic) of Batesville; brother, Coleman Kellum “Buddy” (Mary Helen) Jennings of Laurel, Mississippi; sisters—Annette Logan of Vardaman; Jean Mosley (Rayburn) of Cleveland; Sandra Jennings of Liberty, Missouri; Winnie Walters (Fred) of Ellisville; Sheila Sumrall (Jerry) of Canton; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Pallbearers will be Ruth’s nephews: Billy Ray Jennings of Booneville, Duane Jennings of Stringer, John Jennings of Ridgeland, Jeff Sumrall of Canton, Jeremy Sumrall of Brandon, Kale Walters of Collierville (Tennessee), and Kevin Walters of Starkville. 

As we remember Ruth Harland, let us carry forward her spirit of kindness and dedication to family. She will be dearly missed and forever remembered in the hearts of the lives she touched.