January 11, 2023, 90, Benson –
Ruth Alene Massengill Braswell Robbins, 90, passed away at Liberty Commons Nursing and Rehabilitation in Benson, NC on Wednesday, January 11, 2023. She was born in Johnston County on January 30, 1932, to the late Henry Vaden Massengill and Alma Barbour Massengill. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husbands, Dennis McCoy Braswell and Paschal Robbins; sister, Esther M. Corbett and a brother, Bobby Glenn Massengill.
Ruth was a member of Hephzibah Baptist Church for over 65 years where through the years she taught Sunday School and Bible School. She was a member of the choir and along with Elsie Gurley, she started the first nursery for the church.
Through the years she, along with her first husband, helped operate and look after their country store, Braswell’s Store. She was a Tupperware District Manager and worked for Montgomery Ward and the Selma Department Store. For 20 years, until the time of her retirement, she worked at Woodard Drug Store in Princeton serving her community.
Ruth was well known for preparing the best pickles and her pear preserves. She was also known as a gifted healer.
Ruth loved her family very much and over the last three years, while she was a resident of Liberty Commons, she continued to minister to many people.
She is survived by a son, Craig Braswell, and wife, Amy of Princeton, NC; daughter, Cheryl Braswell, and husband, David Stephenson of Saxapahaw, NC, granddaughter, Dr. Robin S. Warfield and husband, Dan of Pittsboro, NC; grandson, Scott Stephenson and wife, Jennifer of Indian Trail, NC; two great-grandchildren, Evan Stephenson, and Avery Stephenson.
There will be a Graveside Service for Mrs. Ruth on Saturday, January 14, 2023, at Hephzibah Baptist Church Cemetery at 2:00 pm with the Reverend Stephen Braswell officiating.
Although Flowers are welcomed, the family suggests contributions be made to:
Hephzibah Baptist Church Cemetery Fund
4633 US Hwy 70 E
Princeton, NC 27569
Note: Cemetery Fund
Liberty Home Care and Hospice Services
115 N. Second St.
Smithfield, NC 27577
Friends of Johnston County Animal Shelter
115 Shelter Way
Smithfield, NC 27577
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.caseyfh.com.
