WILMINGTON — Mrs. Ruth Weaver Waddell, age 101, peacefully entered eternal rest on July 22,2026, leaving behind a legacy of faith, education, service, and love.
Ruth was born on May 10, 1925, in Greenwood County, South Carolina, to the late Reverend Charles H. Weaver and Loueva Davis Weaver. She received a degree in Biology from Benedict College in Columbia, SC and later earned a Master of Library Science degree from North Carolina College in Durham, NC.
In 1958, she married the late Charlie R. Waddell. Their union was blessed with two children, Cedric and Ruchadina Waddell.
Ruth began her work career as a high school biology teacher in Honea Path, SC. In 1969, she joined the New Hanover County School System in Wilmington, NC as a librarian and served its students and educators until her retirement in 1995 as the district’s Library Supervisor.
Mrs. Waddell was an active member of Chestnut Street Presbyterian Church, where at various times, she served as a Sunday School teacher/treasurer, Ruling Elder, and member of the Women’s Organization. She was a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and enjoyed spending summers at her home on Topsail Island, traveling, writing poetry, and was a lifelong advocate for education and learning.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Charlie; her parents and siblings, John Robert, James, Naomi, Charles Etta, and Mozelle Weaver.
She leaves to cherish her memory her son, Cedric Waddell (Dr. Lisa) and his wife, of Columbia, SC; her daughter, Ruchadina, grandsons, Donovan and Nicholas Waddell, both of Charlotte, NC; her sister, Janie Harrison, of Richmond, VA; her special sister-in-law, Mary Ellen Weaver; her nephews, Andre Weaver, Corey Weaver, and Kwame Bradford; her niece, Kristie Williams; and a host of extended family members, friends, former colleagues and church family.
