Ruth Davis was born in Wadesboro, North Carolina to the late Benton and Polly Turner Burns. She was raised on a farm with four sisters and four brothers, by parents who loved and worshipped the Lord. They believed in Jesus Christ and attended church regularly as a family. Ruth built a relationship with God and at the early age of 12, she joined the Poplar Springs Baptist Church of North Carolina.

Ruth attended Burnsville Elementary School and graduated from Ansonville High School. In 1981 she attended the Armstrong Vocational Education School in Washington, DC where she receievd a certificate as a certified Clerk Typist. Ruth moved to Washington, Dc and soon thereafter met 1st Sergeant John W. Davis. John and Ruth were married and enjoyed almost seven decades of marriage until his death. They had two beautiful daughters Lanie and Helen. Ruth was employed at several business establishments upon coming to Washington, DC. She was employed at Mrs. K's Toll House Restaurant on Colesville Rd Silver Spring, MD for four years. She also dedicated 20 years at Sam's Grill, located on 13th and H Streets, NW. Lastly, she retired after twelve years of diligent service at the Madison Restaurant located on 18th and K streets, NW.

Mrs. Davis joined Mount Zion Baptist Church of Washington, DC in November 1971. As one of the original charter members of Mt. Zion, her service had a profound impact in the stability and growth of the church for 51 years. She was the sustaining force behind her husband the late John W. Davis who served as Pastor for 40 years.

First Lady, Ruth Davis dedicated her life as a christian servant in many capacities at Mt. Zion. For 21 years she taught and touched the hearts of hundreds of children who attended Sunday School. She sang in the Sanctuary Choir and until her death she sang with the Singing Prayer Warriors. She served as Chair and Coordinator of the Family and Friends Day event, Chair of the Deaconess Board, Vice President of the Dororthy R. Carroll MIssionary Society, a Member of the Golden Era Ministry, and was a Member of the Baptist Ministers Wives and Widows of Washington, DC and Local Vicinity. She never hesitated to give a helping hand when called upon for service. Her kind caring spirit was a gift from.God.

Ruth was a dedicated wife, sister, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great great grandmother, aunt and beloved First Lady of Mt. Zion Baptist Church. She was a Godly woman who had a heart of gold, who loved to sing and always showed compassion for the young and the old. Her favorite color was light blue and she loved to shop. She loved to reference many biblical scriptures and her favorite scripture was Psalm 27:14. Her favorite songs were "Guide me Lord" and " I Will Trust in The Lord."

Early Tuesday morning, August 1, 2023, First Lady Ruth Davis departed this life peacefully at 99 years of age to be with the Lord. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Pastor John W. Davis, their cherished daughters, Lanie Frazier and Helen Young, and grandson Michael Young (Dceased). She leaves to cherish her memory, six grandchildren (Selina, Linette, Lindwood Jr. (Terry), Lewis, Michael, and Milini (Nakia), nine great grandchildren (Rodman, Chantel, Tiara, Remi, James, Mya, Sheza, Aya, Alina) two great great grandchidren (Kharter and Alaya) and honorary granddaughter Azieb. Affectionately called "grandma" by all the grandchildren, Ruth passionately nurtured and cared for each of them with unwavering love. Ruth is survived by: one sister, Effie Mercer of Washington, DC . She was preceded in death by: her brothers, Walter Burns, Robert Burns, Jethro Burns, Carl Burns; and sisters, Faye Burns Redfern, Ellen B. White, Pauline McLurkin and Easer Burns Wallace, She also leaves three brother -in-law's and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, along with the Mt. Zion Baptist Church family.