Ruth Elois Carlisle

Obituary for Ruth Elois Carlisle August 21, 1922 – March 28, 2025

Ruth Elois Carlisle, a beloved resident of West Palm Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully on March 28, 2025, at the remarkable age of 102. Born on August 21, 1922, Ruth was the cherished daughter of Morrison and Ethel Bullard. They instilled in her the values of kindness, compassion, and resilience that would define her life.

Ruth was preceded in death by her 10 siblings and her four sons: Roland Bullard Sr., Marvin Jr., Ronald(Anita), and Anthony Carlisle. She is survived by her devoted daughter, Bernadine Bunch-Lee, and her husband, Melvin Lee Sr., who was a dutiful and attentive son-in-law, deeply loved and adored by Ruth.

Ruth is also survived by seventeen grandchildren: Dr. Roland Bullard Jr., Corey and Orie Bullard, Tamala and Charlotte Carlisle, Dr. Rashonda Carlisle, Rocky and Ashley Carlisle, Antron Davis, Samuel, Jakerria, and Horatio Bunch, Tiara Moore, Melvin Lee Jr., De’ja Lee, and her beloved granddaughter Shamika Bunch, who shared an unbreakable bond with her. Additionally, Ruth is survived by over 30 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family, as well as countless friends who cherished her.

Among her close friends was Tyece Mack, who provided loving assistance with Ruth’s daily care for many years, as well as John and Maxine Bowers, who were dear to the family.

Ruth was the sixth child of 11 siblings, Julia, Francine, Morrison Jr, Naomi, Roberta, Edith, William, Myrtle and Earnestine Bullard. She cherished and cared for her sister Inez until her passing. Ruth attended schools in Palm Beach County and graduated from Industrial High School in 1946. A cradle Episcopalian, Ruth was baptized and confirmed at an early age at St. Patrick's Episcopal Church. She was an active member of the church throughout her life, participating in the Episcopal Young Churchmen (E.Y.C.), Altar Guild, The Daughters of the King, Usher Guild, Choir, St. Patrick’s Senior Citizen Activity Center, Episcopal Church Women (E.C.W.), and the Soup Kitchen.

Ruth was married to the late Marvin Carlisle Sr. of Riviera Beach, Florida, who brought into her life two loving stepsons, Marcus and Banard Carlisle, and a stepdaughter, Marcy Westbrook. She was an exceptional grandmother and devoted great-grandmother to all of her grandchildren, known affectionately as “Mama Ruth” or “Truth Ruth” to those who loved her.

Though she leaves this world behind, Ruth's legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her. As we honor her remarkable life, we find comfort in the memories she left and the profound impact she made on each of us.

A visitation will be held on April 11, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Ephesus Seventh-day Adventist Church, 1400 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33401. A funeral service will follow on April 12, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. Patrick's Episcopal Church, 418 N Sapodilla Ave, West Palm Beach, FL 33401