The journey of life for Annie Ruth Melvin began in Baconton, Georgia on October 3, 1936.  She was the beloved daughter of the late Leola Daniels Gaines and Johnnie Will Gaines.

She received her early childhood education in the Mitchel County School System.  After relocating to San Francisco, California with her family, she continued and completed her education at Polly Tech High School.

From a very young age, Annie Ruth was nurtured in the Word of God.  As a youth, she began her Christian journey with the Lord at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church.  In later years after moving to Newark, New Jersey,  she continued her walk with the Lord at the Newark Methodist Church under the leadership of Bishop Jackson.  She was a dedicated member for many years.  Annie Ruth was strong in her faith, in character, and in wisdom.  Upon moving back to Baconton, she reunited with Mt. Calvary.  Over the years, she remained steadfast and unmovable while serving the Lord with gladness on the Usher Board.  She dearly loved the Lord and stayed on the battlefield.

She was united in holy matrimony to Vincent Melvin and they were blessed with a loving family.  As a wife and mother, she diligently cared for the needs of her family through her employment as a Court Clerk with the City of Newark for innumerable years.  No matter what the task, she took great pride in a job well done.

Often described as a strong but gentle woman, Annie Ruth had a heart of gold and impacted many lives and families in the community.    Her home as a revolving  door for friends and family who looked forward to her delicious home cooking.  Throughout her life, she made many lasting friendships that will forever be remembered.

On May 31, 2019, Annie Ruth transitioned to her eternal home.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Vincent Melvin; and her daughter, Cynthia Yvette Brown.

Loving memories will forever be cherished by her son, Darryl (Ann) Jackson of Putney, GA; sister, Jerri Gaines of Albany, GA; grandchildren, Anntonette Jackson, Okeia McGee, Demonte' McGee, and Dontreal Williams; great grandchildren, Kaitlyn Williams, Jalene McGee, Kanija Williams, Dallas Sampson, Nyla McGee, Dontreal Williams, Jr., Khire Washington, and Jamon Saffold; aunts, Ollie Dacus and Claudia Richardson; son-in-law, Dexter Brown; nephew, Sean Gaines; and a host of cousins, church family, and friends.