Ruth Helen Fisher Pinkley (Bill), 90 yrs., passed away March 1, 2022 after a 2 day stay at Jackson Madison County General Hospital, Jackson, TN. Born at home in Darden, TN, January 21, 1932
The eldest of five, she is survived by her younger siblings, Jo Fisher Jones (late John) of Parsons, TN; and David Lynn Fisher (Jo) of Jackson, TN. As well, she is survived by her children, Janet Lynn Pinkley Phillips (Freddie) of Knoxville, TN; Danny Neal Pinkley (Margaret) of Lexington, TN; and William Andrew Pinkley (Bebe) of Germantown, TN. “Gran” is also survived by her grand-daughters Jennifer Rogers Goins (Mike) of Mooresville, NC; Marla Ann Pinkley Keeley (Mike) of Altus, OK; and Meredith Paige Pinkley Conner (Rob) of Cordova, TN. Ruth Helen was the proud great-grandmother of five.
Ruth Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Lorene (Moore) and Ollie Fisher, and her husband Billy Gene Pinkley, all of Parsons, TN; as well as her brothers Dr. Robert Fisher, MD; toddler brother Donald Fisher; and grandson, Joshua Brian Rogers.
Attending school in Parsons, she married her school sweetheart, Billy G. Pinkley. Of their marriage in 1948, the couple enjoyed 64 years as husband and wife; Parsons, TN.
“I meant to be a nurse from childhood on,” Ruth Helen served a long career in health care, first working in the clinic of Dr. R. L. Conger, at age 18, as a nursing assistant and then as a nurse with her brother, Dr. Robert Fisher.
While working and raising a family, Ruth Helen became a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), as issued by the TN Board for Vocational Dedication in 1968. Ruth Helen was among the first class of nurses at Decatur County Hospital. She was awarded a nursing scholarship to Union University from Decatur County Hospital. At Union she was on the “Dean’s List” and graduated to become a Registered Nurse in 1973.
Professionally, was described as a ‘satisfied person who is dependable, dedicated, and committed to a career she was born to face.”
For several years, Ruth Helen held most every nursing position needed by Decatur County Hospital, including general nursing, director of nursing, nursing director of the ER and Surgery arena, as well as Home Health director.
In her community, Ruth Helen could be seen coordinating health fairs for the hospital; teaching at Parsons High School and Extension Services; being an active member of First Baptist Church and the Joy Sunday School Class who often volunteered at the local nursing home hosting treats, bingo, and games for the residents.
Ruth Helen enjoyed Bible Study, copying scriptures, reading, and participating in Homecoming at her family’s “home church” of Mt. Ararat. Independently and as a founding member of the Dorcas Sewing Group, she was widely recognized as excelling at needlework of all kinds for a variety of good causes: Mastectomy Pillows for Jackson Madison Co General Hospital, toiletry bags for Appalachian communities, walker pockets and lap quilts for nursing home. For over 25 years, she hand-crafted hundreds of quilts, baby caps and blankets, ICU bedding, and surgery caps for patients at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, serving Tennessee and Mid-South children and their families.
Arrangements are for Saturday, March 5th Parsons Mortuary, 134 W 2nd St. Parsons, TN. Visitation will be 11:00 am with Funeral Service afterwards at 1 pm. Directly followed by Internment at Mount Ararat Baptist Church Cemetery, 4415 Mount Ararat Rd, Darden, TN 38328. If desired, donations may be sent to Le Bonheur Club, 1047 Cresthaven Rd, Memphis, TN 38119, or Mt. Ararat Cemetery Fund, c/o 160 Alma Lane, Parsons TN 38363.
The Family extends its deepest appreciation for the outpouring of sympathy and remembrance of Ruth Helen.
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