May 24, 1987 – March 25, 2024
The Stubblefield, Duncan, Garbla, and Greene-Howard families are deeply saddened to announce the peaceful passing of our beloved daughter, sister, niece, aunt, cousin, and friend, Ruth Biyanca (Binky) Stubblefield. This sad event occurred in the early morning of March 25, 2024, at the University of Illinois Hospital in Chicago, IL after her battle with metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Biyanca was surrounded by family.
Biyanca’s journey was a testament to her remarkable strength, resilience, and unwavering determination in the face of adversity. Throughout her fight with Sickle Cell Anemia and kidney cancer, she never wavered in her grace, always maintaining a spirit of hope and optimism that inspired all who knew her.
Binky, as she was affectionately known, was born Ruth Biyanca Stubblefield on May 24, 1987, in Columbia, SC. She attended Hyatt Park Elementary, before moving to Silver Spring MD with her mother. Biyanca graduated from Springbrook High School, in Maryland in 2007. Born with an innate love for animals, Biyanca had hopes of becoming a veterinarian. Shortly following her graduation, Biyanca was diagnosed with kidney cancer which resulted in the removal of one of her kidneys. Like a true warrior, Biyanca continued to brave the storm between dealing with cancer and sickle cell. However, tragedy would again strike in 2010 when her mother died from complications of hypertension. Following the death of her mother, Biyanca sorted out new beginnings by moving to Chicago, IL, a city she was familiar with.
Despite the challenges posed by her illness, Biyanca was an ardent seeker of knowledge. She pursued her education with determination and perseverance, ultimately earning her Associate of Arts (AA) degree from Columbia College Chicago.
In addition to her love for animals, Biyanca served as a devoted secretary for her apartment board, where her organizational skills, attention to detail, and dedication were invaluable assets. Her commitment to ensuring the smooth operation of her community’s affairs was evident in every task she undertook. Biyanca had a zest for life and her legacy extends far beyond her struggle with her illnesses. She was a beacon of light in the lives of those who were fortunate enough to have crossed paths with her. Her love for her family was boundless and she cherished every moment spent with loved ones, creating memories that will be cherished forever. She will be remembered for her gentle spirit, kind heart, and unwavering resilience in the face of adversity.
Biyanca was predeceased by her mother Jema B. Stubblefield. She leaves to mourn her sister, Stephanie SalaMartu, nieces Tatyana, and Alexus, aunties, uncles, cousins, a host of other relatives and friends, and her cat Nesa.
Arrangements
A private memorial service will be held on Friday, May 3rd, 2024 in Maryland.
Contacts
- Stephanie SalaMartu (Sister): (240) 860-3834
- Gnenpu Stubblefield (Aunt): (847) 983-4602
- Arthur & Hawa Garbla (Uncle & Aunt): (240) 304-5558
- Theresa Stubblefield Jordan (Aunt): (770) 899-9334
- Stephen & Alicia Howard (Cousins): (804) 252-2687
- Marca Stubblefield (Cousin): (513) 907-1635
- Abraham Jomo Stubblefield (Cousin): (703) 895-3147
- Pauline Kpue (Cousin): (240) 413-0002
The family kindly requests that donations be made to Sickle Cell Foundation in Ruth Biyanca Stubblefield’s honor, either monetary and/or the gift of blood donation: CLICK LINK:
