Ruth Bevis

Ruth Waldon (Honeybee) Bevis

February 20, 1928 – September 11, 2021

​After a long and extraordinary life, Ruth Bevis of Tuscaloosa, age 93, passed away peacefully at home on September 11, 2021. She was surrounded by family as she transitioned to her heavenly home.

​Ruth, affectionately known as “Honeybee”, was born in Tuscaloosa to James Milton and Ollie Grace Loftis Waldon. She married Clint Bevis in 1947, and they remained happily married for 55 years until Clint’s death in 2002. In 1953 Ruth and her family moved to West Blocton, where they lived for 11 years. While there, she worked as an educator earning an advanced degree in School Counseling from The University of Alabama. She then moved to Dothan, AL where she worked as a high school counselor for 23 years. During integration she went above and beyond to make sure all students, no matter their skin color, were treated fairly by other students and teachers. She was also an active member in the Alabama Education Association (AEA) and The First United Methodist Church of Dothan.

​Ruth had a passion for learning new things. She spent her life developing a wide variety of new skills and planning her next adventure. She loved camping, traveling, sewing, learning new crafts, singing, and storytelling. Her favorite of all was spending time with her family, especially watching the annual family talent shows. Ruth was a nurturer and served as the caregiver for numerous loved ones over the years. Even when she required caregiving for herself, she continued to seek out ways to help others.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Clint Bevis; her parents, Milton and Grace Waldon; her two sisters, Carolyn Stelzman and Nell Abston; and her son, Derak Bevis. She is survived by 4 children, Marty Bevis (Ruth), Pamela Sellers (Wayne), Philip Bevis, and Lang Bevis (Sherri); 10 grandchildren, Amy McManus (Phillip), Bryan Bevis (Amber), Jamie Sellers (Michele), Carlie Baird (Kevin), Brock Sellers (Robin), Spencer Bevis, Addison Bevis, Brandon Bevis, Samantha Bevis, and Rebecca Bevis; foster grandchild, Billy Joe Barrett;13 great-grandchildren, Austin Lilyea (Rachael), Blake Lilyea, Emily McManus, Connor McManus, Peyton Bevis, Logan Bevis, Raelynn Bevis, Ashton Fowler, Mattie Kate Sellers, Kaley Grace Baird, Ann Elise Baird, Preston Sellers, and Caden Sellers; and numerous nieces and nephews.

All her life she was a devout Methodist who provided strong leadership and service in countless ministries. After retirement she was a member of Guntersville First United Methodist Church, St. Mark United Methodist Church, and Forest Lake United Methodist Church.

The family would like to thank the employees of Pine Valley, Forest Manor, and Hospice of West Alabama for the care they provided for Honeybee over the last few years. A special thanks goes to Gloria Mays for using her God-given talents to provide exceptional care for Honeybee, as well as support and encouragement for the family.

A Celebration of Life Service will be at 11:00 on September 18 at the Buddy Powell Pavilion at 4205 Northridge Road in Tuscaloosa. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Forest Lake United Methodist Church, Hospice of West Alabama, or the charity of your choice.