Ruth Lucille Paige Burrell was a long-time resident and homeowner in the Mount Airy section of Philadelphia.
She died on April 28, 2012, of complications of lung cancer. She was 74.
Burrell was born on July 3, 1937, in Charles City, Va. As the youngest of 10 children, she was called “Baby Ruth.”
She was raised by her parents, the late Major C. and Agnes B. Paige, in a Christian home. She was baptized at an early age and worshipped with her family at the Liberty Baptist Church.
After graduating from Ruthville High School in 1956, she attended Virginia State University from 1956 to 1957. She was led to seek employment in Philadelphia where she initially worked at the John Wanamaker department store. She stayed there until 1959 when she joined the staff of the Internal Revenue Service. She married Robert A. Burrell Jr. on Jan. 14, 1961.
“Mom was a go-getter and a dedicated worker. She gained a reputation for high quality work and dependability as a tax examiner. That made her a good candidate for training staff. In fact, she was so good at it, that she traveled all around the country to train others. She received numerous awards in recognition of her achievements and service,” said her only child, Robert A. Burrell III.
Burrell retired after 33 years of service with the IRS.
Burrell’s son said she was devoted to her family and enjoyed the times that she spent with her sisters. He said she also loved to cook for the family.
“I am grateful that my Mom loved me enough to introduce me to Christ and encourage me to excel. She was small in stature but had a commanding presence in my life. She cherished her membership at Grace Baptist Church of Germantown where I got my grounding,” he said.
Burrell was preceded in death by her three brothers.
She is survived by: her son, Robert III; three grandchildren, Isaiah, Deborah and Robert IV; two brothers, John James and Major Lee Paige, both of Philadelphia; mother-in-law, Marylue Moorer; five sisters-in-law, Cassandra Weeks, Burbette Taylor, Denise Smith, Geraldine Winnegan and Cathy Fleming; one brother-in-law, Jimmy Lowe; special friends, Shereen and Isaiah Atkins; close nieces and nephews, Karen Battle, Agnes Williams, David Williams and Maurice Cottman and other relatives and friends.
A memorial service will be held, May 11 at 11 a.m. at Grace Baptist Church of Germantown, 25 W Johnson St. Inurnment will take place at Ivy Hill Cemetery.
Walter E. Sabbath Funeral Service handled the arrangements.
