Ruth Carnell Jarvis

Ruth Carnell Graves Jarvis 88, a resident of Norfolk, VA departed this life on August 5, 2022. Carnell, a native of Littleton/Sussex County VA was reared in a Christian home with four sisters and two brothers.

Ruth was united in holy matrimony with Rueben Furnie Jarvis Sr., on August 11, 1957, at Chapel Grove Congregational Church, Windsor, Virginia. To this union four children were born. Ruthel Lori, Regina Lenet, Rueben Furnie, and Rodney Fontain.

Carnell received her education in the Isle of Wight County Public Schools, graduating in 1952 with honors. She matriculated at Norfolk Division of Virginia State College (now Norfolk State University), transferring to Virginia State College in 1954 and received her baccalaureate degree from Virginia State College in 1956. Following graduation, Carnell began her teaching career as a middle school teacher in the public schools of Rustburg, Virginia. After receiving her Master of Education Degree from Teachers College, Columbia University, located in New York City, Ruth Graves joined the faculty at the Norfolk Division of Virginia State College. Her initial tenure began as an instructor in the Department of Home Economics in 1958. She was appointed by Dr. Lyman B. Brooks in 1969 as Dean of Women in the Office of Student Affairs and later, under the auspices of Dr. Harrison B. Wilson, her title was revised to “Dean of Student Development'' indicative of an expanded responsibility to serve all students. After her retirement from Norfolk State University, she was appointed by the Governor in 2004 to serve on the state board for Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services Board and was elected to serve as Vice Chair in 2009.

Mrs. Jarvis’ work in the church and community were always vital parts of her life. She and Rueben became dedicated and faithful members of Bank Street Church in the mid-1960s. Ruth served in a myriad of capacities during her membership. Her roles included: The Boosters Ministry, Daycare Board, a member of the Trustee’s Ministry, and later elected as the first woman chair of the Trustee Board serving for many years until her health declined. She served as chair of several other church committees with dedication and love.

Her civic memberships included: Woman’s Club of Norfolk, Top Ladies of Distinction, Member and past president of Norfolk State Retirees Association, President of the National Association of Personnel Workers, Executive Council Southern Association for College Affairs, Norfolk Community Services Board Chairman, founding member of CAI Parent and Consumer Team, (PACT) Golden member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated where she served with distinction as a two-term President.

Ruth Carnell was preceded in death by her parents Neavy Sr. and Ruth Graves and five of her siblings, Bernice Tate, Otheen Ballard, Lucy Strange, Neavy Graves, Jr. and Ellington Graves. Ruth Carnell is survived by her husband, Rueben F. Jarvis, Sr. of 65 years and children: Ruthel L. Goss, Regina L Stowe (Abraham), Rueben Jarvis, Jr. (Chantel), and Rodney F. Jarvis. Also left to cherish her memories are her grandchildren: Rachel Goss, Ryan Stowe, Reid Stowe (Dominique), Ravyn Goss, Rueben Jarvis, and Raquel Jarvis, and one great-grandchild, Rhys Stowe, sister Marian McLean (James) and sister-in-law Elna Graves, and a host of nieces, nephews and devoted family and friends. The family of Ruth Graves Jarvis wishes to express their sincerest appreciation to Loretta Brandon, her caregiver.