Ruth (White) McBrayer

Known as a woman of grace and beauty throughout her life, Ruth Minter White McBrayer passed away on Friday, January 8th while hospitalized with COVID 19 in Beaufort Memorial Hospital, Beaufort, South Carolina.

Born to Claude Hugh and Louise Minter White on March 2, 1946, in Martinsville, VA, she was raised in Martinsville, Roanoke and Bedford, VA.

Ruth is survived by her husband of 40 years, Dr. Harry “Rob” McBrayer of their home in the Habersham community of Beaufort; two daughters by a previous marriage, Cynthia L. Walker of Sag Harbor, NY; Christy Walker Henderson (Christian),  and their daughter Dylan, and Christy’s stepchildren Eden, Ava, and Hunter Henderson of Corona del Mar, CA; brothers, Kenneth H. White (Yetta) of Memphis, Frank T. White (Kaye) of Columbia, SC, Carlton “Mick” White (Mary Ann) of Bluffton, SC, and Robert S. White (Marguerite Gonzales) of Santa Fe, NM; and a dozen nieces and nephews.

Anyone spending only a short time in Ruth’s presence in her earlier years quickly learned she was someone with a level of maturity well beyond her years, someone who converted challenges into life-lessons and opportunities for herself and her girls.

An extraordinarily dedicated mother and grandmother blessed with an infectious positive attitude, Ruth’s caring spirit and loving attention to the well-being of her family were constant throughout her life.  She was never more than a phone call away from her daughters for whom she set an exceptional example of living a full life.  She had an incredible bond with them.

Dr. McBrayer and Ruth purchased Palmetto Veterinary Hospital in Ridgeland, SC, in 2010 and moved to Beaufort from the Tidewater area of Virginia where they had owned a veterinary practice.  She served as manager of the Ridgeland practice, interacting with clients and their animals every day.

Ruth established a strong personal bond with the hospital staff, often saying they had become like family and attributing much of the facility’s success and growth to their compassion and professionalism.  She loved all animals but was especially fond of Pugs—cherishing them as personal pets.  She actively supported no-kill animal shelters.

While living near the Chesapeake Bay, Ruth developed a love of sailing.  She and Rob spent many hours on boats with friends, and it remained a passion for her.

A woman of faith, Ruth was active in the Baptist Church from childhood, believing in the Love of God, prayer and the major importance of churches to family and community. She was a member of Ridgeland Baptist Church in Ridgeland, SC.

Loving, kind, thoughtful, generous and wise, Ruth McBrayer touched many lives and will be dearly missed by family, friends and clients.

Ruth’s family will arrange a memorial gathering in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested for one of Ruth’s favorite causes: Jasper Animal Rescue Mission, 1352 Carters Mill Road, Ridgeland, SC 29936.  Internet address:   www.JARMission.com