Annie Ruth Johnson (nee McGuire) was born on May 5, 1937 in Sardis, Alabama to Allen and Perry Lee McGuire. She was one of four siblings, Justine and Isiah McGuire, and Lawrence Bates, all of whom preceded her in death.   She was affectionately known as “Baby Ruth” to her family.

She moved to Cleveland in 1948 with her parents. She worked as a Physical Therapist Assistant and was department manager at Beach Haven Nursing Home in Beachwood, Ohio until her retirement.

She was blessed with two children Katherine (Kathy) Taylor and Johnnie (Jon) Everett and two bonus children Gregory (Greg) and Wayne Johnson through her marriage to Jesse Johnson Jr.

She and Jesse enjoyed 49 years of marriage sharing their love of family and travel with their favorite vacation spot being Hawaii. She was the touchstone of the family always hosting holiday and birthday parties.  Her cooking was legendary and she was famous for her sweet potato pies.  Everyone was always welcome.

She was a lady of style and grace known for her impeccable fashion sense and her love of diamonds.

She is survived by her loving husband and four children as well as seven grandchildren, Summeur Ann, Lea, Joshua, Keyona, Philip, Nicholas and Jasmine, 21 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.

She has a host of relatives and family including her beloved Barnes family (Cincinnati, Ohio), the Gilliams, the Hatchers, the Braxtons, and the McGuire families.

She is also survived by her nieces April and Synethia McGuire, Gloria Vincent, Sharon Everett, and nephews Lawrence Bates Jr. and Brian Everett. Also left to mourn her passing is her daughter-in-law Cynthia Johnson and son-in-law Aaron Smith.

She accepted the Lord at an early age in Sardis, Alabama and was baptized at the Greater Abyssinia Baptist Church in Cleveland, Ohio. She got her heavenly wings and went home to the Lord on February 19, 2020 surrounded by her loving family.