In Memoriam: Ruth Johnson Colvin
On August 18, 2024, Ruth Johnson Colvin, the visionary founder of Literacy Volunteers of America, passed away at the age of 107.
Her remarkable journey, marked by her induction into the National Women’s Hall of Fame and receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom, underscores her profound impact on literacy and volunteerism.
In 1962, Colvin started her mission from a small basement in Syracuse, NY, driven by the startling discovery that thousands in her community were struggling with illiteracy.
Her initiative blossomed into a global movement, emphasizing the critical role volunteers play in teaching reading and literacy skills.
Colvin’s legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the difference one dedicated individual can make and the ongoing need for passionate volunteers to continue the fight against illiteracy. Her memoir, “My Travels Through Life, Love and Literacy,” was published in 2020 when Colvin was 103 years old.
