Ruth James Creighton, 87

CAMBRIDGE - Ruth James Creighton, of Cambridge, died in her home Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009. She was 87. Mrs. Creighton lived her life with dignity and died with dignity at home surrounded by her family. Born on March 5, 1921, Hoopers Island, Dorchester County, she was the daughter of the late George Willey Hall and Blanche Dean Hall. Mrs. Creighton was raised on Hoopers Island and was a graduate of the Hoopers Island High School, class of 1937. Her graduating class consisted of five people, one of which was her twin sister. In her earlier years, she had worked for Caldwell Casting Company. On July 23, 1938. she married Parvin Spedden James. He died on August 16, 1966. Mr. James owned James Construction and for three years after his death, his wife and son, Eddie managed the business. On Nov. 7, 1970, she married Emmett Hallie Creighton. He died on June 25, 1983. Mr. Creighton was the owner of several rental properties in the community. Upon his death his wife and son Eddie continue to manage the properties. Mrs. Creighton was a member of Zion United Methodist Church, Cambridge. Mrs. Creighton was quite a business woman. She was known for her determination to succeed in all she did. Mrs. Creighton loved fashion and shopping. She had been a model for Richardson Style Shop on several occasions. In her younger years she enjoyed volleyball, gardening and traveling. Mrs. Creighton was an avid card player of canasta where she played weekly with friends and with family on Saturday nights. She was a wonderful homemaker, wife, mother and grandmother. Mrs. Creighton was also well known for her love of the Christmas Season. She loved the shopping, the cooking, wrapping of the gifts, sharing the gifts, love and memories with all who entered her life. Mrs. Creighton had served on the Salvation Army Advisory Board, had been a member of the Cambridge Quota Club, Cambridge Country Club, Cambridge Yacht Club and Cambridge Elks Lodge 1272. Surviving are two children, William Edward "Eddie" James and his wife Phyllis Frazier-James of Madison and Lynda Huffman and her husband Larry of East New Market; two step-daughters, Wendy Tieder and Barbara Spedden, both of Cambridge; her twin sister, Naomi H. Elzey of Cambridge; two more sisters, Ella Frisch and her husband Robert of Bowie; Frances Davidson and her husband William of Cambridge; a brother, Robert "Bobby" Hall and his wife Minnie of Fishing Creek; five grandchildren, Jack James and his wife Carrie, John James and his wife Bernie, Doug Mayhorn, Cindy Walker and Theresa Huffman Phelps; seven great-grandchildren, Jessica Hickman and her husband Louis, Jason James and his wife Amanda, Josh King, Jeremiah King, Megan Walling, Morgan Walker and Doug Mayhorn Jr.; five great-great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; several great-nieces and great-nephews; special friends, Mildred Phillips, Jeannie Smith, Bonnie Hastings, Evelyn Hubbard, Bonnie Gore and Cindy Adams. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. today, Jan. 23, 2009, at Curran-Bromwell Funeral Home, P.A., where the family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Officiating at the service will be The Rev. Sam McWilliams. Burial will follow in Dorchester Memorial Park. Active Pallbearers will be Jack James, John James, Clark Elzey, Robin Hall, Donnie Davidson and Brian Hall. Honorary Pallbearers will be Raymond H. Simmons Jr., F. Levi Ruark, Sonny Robbins and David L. Thomas, Jr. Expressions of sympathy may be made in Mrs. Creighton's memory to Zion United Methodist Church Endowment Fund, 612 Locust St., Cambridge, MD 21613 or to the Salvation Army, 200 Washington St., Cambridge, MD 21613. Condolences can be sent via www.curran-bromwell.com/obituaries.