KNOXVILLE, TN – Ruth Long Woodfin Hardin, a well known Gospel Singer was born, April 30, 1929 to Joseph Long, and Laudie Summers Long in Appalachia, Virginia. She joined the number of the immortal, July 10, 2019.
She was the first African-American to perform at the Knoxville Civic Auditorium as the opener for Mahalia Jackson.
Survived by children: sons Clarence and Dwight Hardin, and daughter Tiesha McKenzie; siblings: Vivian Varner, Tilman Long, Rudolph Long, Quentin (Dionna) Long, Sheila Long (John) Purnell, Patricia Delaney, Joseph Long, Jr., and Virgil Long; in-laws, grandchildren, great-grand, and great-great-grandchildren.
A musical tribute will be from 7-9 pm, Friday, July 19 at Lennon- Seney United Methodist Church.
Family will receive friends from 11-noon, Saturday, July 20, at Rogers Memorial Baptist Church. Homegoing Celebration at noon presided by Rev. Dr. Michel Caldwell, Eulogist Dr. Harold A. Middlebrook, Eulogist.
The family will assemble at 2303 Barker Avenue. Interment at Hardin- Walker Cemetery, George Light Road.
Arrangements by JARNIGAN & SON MORTUARY