Ruth Johnson Colvin Children: Meet Terrence and Lindy.

Ruth Johnson Colvin, the founder of Literacy Volunteers of America, was a pioneering figure in the fight against illiteracy.

She and her husband, Robert Colvin, had two children, Terrence and Lindy, though little is publicly known about them.

Robert Colvin passed away in 2014 at the age of 99 after 73 years of marriage. Ruth lived to be 107, celebrating her 100th birthday in December 2016 and passing away on August 18, 2024.

Throughout her lifetime, Ruth Colvin received numerous accolades for her contributions to literacy and volunteerism.

She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President George W. Bush in 2006 and was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame in 1993.

Additionally, she earned the President’s National Volunteer Action Award from President Ronald Reagan in 1987.

Colvin’s dedication was also evident in her writing. She authored several books, including her memoir, My Travels Through Life, Love and Literacy, published in 2020 when she was 103.

The hundreds of letters she received from tutors, students, and supporters served as a testament to the impact of her work.

ProLiteracy, the organization that emerged from the merger of Literacy Volunteers of America and Laubach Literacy, honored Colvin’s legacy with an online tribute, recognizing her influence and her unwavering belief that literacy is a fundamental right.

“We are humbled to have been able to learn from her for so long,” the tribute read. “Ruth willingly shared her wisdom with ProLiteracy staff, always encouraging us to continue our fight to improve adult literacy.”