Ruthie Mae Perry Benyard was born January 16, 1923 in Wise, North Carolina to the late John and Odell Perry. She was the oldest girl of nine siblings and was often called "Sug" by her sibling as they were trying to say "sister". Ruthie became the mother figure in the home due to the early death of her mother. She helped with the care and rising of her brothers and sisters. Her sense of service gave her the strength to complete her work at school then come home to cook, to wash and to check her siblings' homework before completing her homework. After graduating from high school with outstanding grades, she moved to Norfolk, VA and started working at the Norfolk Naval Yard.

In December 2012, she was honored and recognized as a Lifetime Achievement Award honoree. According to her pastor, her actions and work at the church spoke volumes. She was an excellent example of what a Christian, a church member, an auxiliary member, a saved woman, a faithful supporter and mother should be.

At the age of twenty-four she married Robert H. Benyard and from this union seven children were born. One child was still born. Other children include five daughters, Ruthie, Carolyn, Helen, Crystal, and Shelia, and one son, Clarence. She is known to have shared with her children saying such as "you are someone special" and "set your goals because you can reach them all". They listen well and all have successes in their chosen field.

Her husband, Robert, and her oldest daughter, Ruthie, preceded her in death. She leaves to cherish her memories: daughter, Carolyn Golden; daughters and son-in- laws, Helen and Lorenza Luster; Crystal and Steven Atwater; Shelia and Vincent Adams; son and daughter-in-law, Clarence and Renee Benyard. Grandchildren: Stephanie (William) Luster-Teasley, Letricia Golden, LeAnne Luster, Thomas Brown, Kathleen Golden, Jonathan Scott, Clarence Benyard, Jr, Christopher Benyard, Shantelle Polk, Alexandria (Juan) Gonzalez, Angela Atwater and Alexis Adams. Great- grandkids; William and Edward Teasley, Parker Luster, Jeremiah, Cortez, Kalani Benyard; two sister-in-laws: Gerri Merritt and Bertha Barnes, a host of nieces and nephews and other family and friends.

"O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works. Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O Good, forsake me not; until I have shewed they strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come". Psalms 71: 17-18

"...look to the old, they are worthy of old age; they have seen their days and proven themselves. With the help of the Great Spirit, they have attained a ripe old age. At this age, the old can predict or give knowledge or wisdom, whatever it is; it is so. At the end is a cane. You and your family shall get to where the cane is." - Black Elk , Oglala Sioux Holy Man