Mary Ruth Colbert

Mary Ruth Colbert, age 88, resident of Bartlett, Tennessee and wife of late Johnnie the “Junior” Colbert, departed this life Wednesday morning, April 30, 2025, at Rainbow Rehab and Healthcare in Bartlett, Tennessee.

Ruth was born December 3, 1936 in Chester County, Tennessee, the daughter of William Bryan Bishop and Mary Lee Melton. She received her education in Chester County. She was married on May 20, 1956, to the late Johnnie “Junior” Colbert and was employed at South Central Bell, later becoming the assistant to the President of the Communications Workers of America.

Ruth was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Bartlett, Tennessee. She loved being involved in the church, traveling, and socializing with friends.

Mrs. Colbert is survived by her sister, Jane Helvering of Oakland, TN as well as 13 nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Johnnie and sister, Martha Peace. 

Services for Mrs. Colbert were held at 2 P.M. Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at Peebles West Funeral Chapel in Oakland, Tennessee with Bro. Danny Gregory officiating. Interment followed in the Fayette County Memorial Park Cemetery on Highway 64.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to Calvary Baptist Church, 6252 Memphis-Arlington Road, Bartlett, TN 38135, Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758541, Topeka, KS 66675-8541 or the charity of the donor’s choice.