On September 11, 1928, Ruth Arcola (Johnson) Brigham was born in Selma, Alabama. Ruth was the only child of Timothy Johnson and Carlee (Rembert) Royston. Ruth was married while residing in Alabama, and the couple had a son they named Timothy Johnson. When Ruth's husband did not return from the war, she along with her son, mother, maternal grandmother, and aunt moved to Boston from Alabama. The family lived in Boston's South End for a while before setting down roots in the Roxbury, Jamaica Plain neighborhoods. Ruth began her career in Boston working alongside her mother as a seamstress. While living in Boston, Ruth met her second husband, with whom she had four more children. In the early 1960s, Ruth moved to the Bromley Heath housing development and shortly after she began her tenure at Martha Eliot Health Center, where she was highly regarded and genuinely loved.  Ruth worked at Martha Eliot for 26 years before retiring as the clinic coordinator and community outreach coordinator in the OB/GYN department.

Through hard work and dedication, in 1969, Ruth purchased a family home, which has become known as the big green house, on the corner, in Egleston.  This house has stood as a beacon of light for many throughout the years as a result of Ruth's unwavering generosity and pleasant personality. Ruth was regarded as everyone's mother who had a heart of gold and was always willing to lend a helping hand and would open her door to anyone in need.

Ruth loved the Lord and was a lifelong member and deaconess at St. Mark Congregational church in Dorchester, as well as a dedicated community activist, serving on multiple boards and assisting many community organizations throughout Roxbury and Jamaica Plain.   Ruth taught her family the importance of showing forgiveness when someone wrongs you and turning the other cheek. She consistently gave great advice, guidance, and counsel without ever passing judgment and her influence will forever remain in the lives of all who knew her.  In her leisure time Ruth loved music, dancing, shopping, traveling, and attending the theater.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her children: Timothy Johnson, Baltimore MD; Marlania (Duane) Bugg, Bedford, TX; Steven (Bessie) Brigham, Rock Hill, SC; Lorraine Brigham, Reseda, CA; and Karen Brigham, Brockton, MA. Her grandchildren, Timothy Jr., Sharlett, Tiamba, Antiny, Aundra, Nikkia, and Shannon, and  six great-grandchildren and a host of family and friends.