Celebrating the Life of Ellen Ruth Larkin

Born October 22, 1915, to the parentage of Simon Miles Pentecost and Estella Hunt Pentecost in Dallas Texas. Ellen Ruth began her education at N. W. Harllee Elementary School and graduated in 1934 from Booker T Washington High School. On August 6, 1939 she married Johnnie F. Larkin and this loving union produced one child, Brenda Berkins. Ellen Ruth and husband, Johnnie Larkin were married for 55 years.

Ellen Ruth received her Bachelor of Science Degree from Bishop College and her Masters of Education from Southern Methodist University. Ellen Ruth began her teaching career at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School where she was a kindergarten teacher.  In, 1968 she began working at Dallas Independent School District as a kindergarten teacher.  In 1970, she moved to the Bi-Lingual Department within DISD to assist with writing the bi-lingual curriculum and later becoming a Bi-Lingual Program Supervisor.

After retirement she continued to work occasionally with DISD assisting with system wide bi-lingual testing for the Evaluation Department.

In her leisure, Ellen Ruth enjoyed traveling, Jazzmusic, playing the organ, and dancing; which she continued well into her late 80″s. Throughout her years, Ellen Ruth was involved in many social and civic organizations: John XXIII board member, Black Dallas Remembered, High Steppers Senior Dance Group, Oak Cliff Art and Social Club, and Eta  Phi Beta Sorority Inc.

Ellen Ruth passed away peacefully on August 7, 2015 knowing in her heart she was deeply loved.

Ellen Ruth was preceded in death by her parents Simon Miles and Estella Hunt Pentecost; her husband, Johnnie F. Larkin; Brothers, Simon and JB Pentecost; Sister Launita Pentecost, granddaughter Tanya Berkins; and great granddaughter TifneyBerkins. She leaves behind to treasure her memories her Daughter, Brenda Berkins; Grandchildren Sonya Rose(Gregory) and David Berkins(Tiki); Great Grandchildren Alexandria Rose and Stormey Ellen Berkins; Great-Great-Grandchildren Tailor Simpson, Jordan Simpson and Louis Simpson; other loving relatives, and dear friends.

Funeral Services were held on Wednesday August 12, 2015  11 o’clock am. at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 4910 Bonnie View Rd. Dallas, Texas