Alberta Brinston

A beautiful baby girl was born on February 3, 1930 in Claiborne County, MS to the late Huldia Black Epherson and Lester Epherson, Sr. The family began choosing a name. During the long and drawn out discussion, an exasperated young cousin, because she was so sweet, or more likely, thinking of his favorite candy bar, said “Just name her Baby Ruth”. Thankfully cooler heads prevailed and she was named Alberta. However, she was thereafter affectionately called Baby Ruth or Ruth. Baby Ruth was baptized at Hickory Flat Baptist Church in Barlow, MS. Even after moving away she continued to support her home church with regular visits and donations. 

She and her future husband Carl met through a chance meeting as preteens while walking through the woods. The lovebirds reconnected as adults through a second fateful meeting after both relocated to Jackson, MS. The handsome 6 foot Carl was smitten by the 4 foot 10 inch beauty, they married and raised 8 good looking children.

Ruth participated in civil rights marches and worked in the nursing field while enduring the indignity of being assigned to the hospital basement alongside the black patients. She enjoyed sewing, gardening, genealogy, and was an accomplished carpenter. Deprived of all except the essentials as a child during the depression, she loved decorating and collecting beautiful things for her home. She honored her ancestors by raising funds and using her own finances to purchase over 15 headstones for those that were lacking, for cemetery maintenance and regular floral arrangements. We will certainly miss the birthday and Christmas cards.

She is survived by her children, Rev. Monroe (Cheryl) Brinston, Sr., Carolyn (Roney) Jones. Charles (Andrea) Brinston, Sr., Muriel Brinston, RP, Miriam Brinston, and Cynthia (Rozerrio) Camel; 21 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren; a great-great grandchild; siblings, Annie Williams, Albert Black, Willie Earl Epherson, Josie West, Willie Lowry Epherson, Lester (Muriel) Epherson, Jr., Ruthie Earls, and Willie Fred (Mary) Epherson.

She was preceded in death by: her husband Carl Brinston, Sr.; sons, Carl Brinston, Jr., Michael Brinston, Sr.; daughter in love, Monesa Brinston; granddaughter, Lauren Danielle “Bay Bay” Bryant; and siblings, Albert Black, Lueberta Burton, Mittie Green, James Arnold, Percy Epherson, Mrs Freddie Roundtree, Sammie Black, Deloris Black, and Henry Epherson.