Annie Ruth Harkins was born July 5, 1941 in Pheba, Mississippi to the late Johnny Harkins and Hattie Quinn.  She was preceded in death by her daughter, Sandra Gayle Martin; her son, Darrin Harkins; grandson, Michael Turner; two brothers, Herman Johnson and Walter Johnson Jr.; four sisters, Annie Will Caldwell, Susie Quinn, Warrine Quinn, and Mary Allender; a special cousin, Annie Ola Caldwell.

Annie, better known as "Ruth" received an education in the Mississippi school system.  She attended Beasley Elementary and North End High School. She always had a desire to leave Mississippi, so she moved to Chicago where she laid down roots and started a family of her own. Becoming a proud mother of six, was one of her greatest accomplishments. She was devoted to her family and raised her children and grandchildren with love, patience and a strong hand.

Annie started her career in hospitality working for the Marriott Hotels in various capacities. She ambitiously moved forward to California Gardens Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, where she proudly worked in housekeeping for over 25 years until retirement in 2009.

Annie accepted Christ at an early age at New Macedonia Church in Chicago, Illinois.  Throughout her life she remained grounded in her faith with an unwavering relationship with Christ.   She later became a member of Carey Tercentenary A.M.E. Church in Chicago, Illinois under the leadership of Reverend Walter C. Harris, Sr. where she demonstrated unselfish devotion as a Church Steward.

Annie, affectionately named "Ma" to her children, grandchildren and great-grand children was the heart of the family. She was sweet yet feisty, firm but selfless, and most of all loving. She started her day early with prayer, reading her bible, and taking long walks around the neighborhood. She enjoyed walking, not only for the exercise, but because of the people she met along the way.  Some of her favorite pastimes included listening to gospel music. One of her favorite songs was "Something about the name Jesus." She also enjoyed dancing or two-stepping to the blues.  Ma was very nostalgic and took pleasure in going down memory lane talking about the good old days of her youth. Ma liked passing time by doing cross words puzzles, watching Law and Order, and spending time with her great grandbabies. Cooking and baking was another specialty.  She was known for her lemon cakes and sweet potato pies.

Annie was truly the example of a beautiful person inside and out.  "To Know her was to love her."  She will truly be missed.

Annie gained her wings and flew home to be with the lord on January 14, 2021.

Annie leaves to cherish her memories:  4children, Patrice (Louis) Tillett,Michael (Faye) Harkins, Wanda Harkins, Tasha (Ricky) Zollicoffer; 17 grandchildren, Tyrice Harkins, Kiesha Harkins, Torrey Burks, Shavon Grant, Dominique Harkins, Vanity Swan, Wayne Glover, Brittany Harkins, Tacola Burks, Maya Tillett, Jarmarise Harkins, Jasmine McClendone, Devin Harkins, Raymone Bowe, Demetri Tillett, Tayler Harkins and Darriona Harkins; 20 great grandchildren; 5 great-great grandchildren; two brothers, Thomas (Patricia) Johnson and Louis Johnson; two sisters, Minnie Green, Doris (Rufus)Taylor and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Visitation Monday, January 25th, 2021 from 3-7 pm and Tuesday, January 26th, 2021 from 10am until time of service 11:00am,  at Hursen Funeral Home Home, SW corner of Roosevelt & Mannheim Roads, Hillside/Westchester, IL. Interment Glen Oak Cemetery, Hillside, IL. Funeral Info: 800-562-0082