Ms. Ruth (Joann) Baskerville, passed on October 31, 2014 after a courageous ten-year battle with cancer. Ruth was born July 26, 1950 to the late Robert and Ethel Baskerville in Birmingham (Jefferson County), Alabama. She attended Council Elementary and was a graduate of Western-Olin High School (1968). She earned her Bachelor of Science Degree from Alabama A&M University in May, 1972. She was a member of the Gamma Mu Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She joined New Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church under the Pastorate of Dr. Thomas Beavers. Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 8, 2014 at 11:00 A.M. at New Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church, 7400 London Avenue South, with burial in Elmwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday, November 7, 2014 from 5:00 until 6:30 P.M. at Smith & Gaston Southside Chapel. Special THANKS to Minnie Powell and Jennifer Dunagan for their love and care shown. Smith & Gaston Southside directing.