01/12/2026
Luther Ridgeway
Luther Ridgeway, a man of faith with deep pride in his family, passed away on January 10, 2026. Born on April 19, 1936 in Choctaw County, Alabama, to Bertha L. Ratchford and Eddie Ridgeway, his life was a testament to resilience, personal growth, and pride in his family. These were traits that undoubtedly took him from a rural farm in Alabama to Philadelphia by way of the Great Migration.
Luther spent his early years on the family farm. He was initially raised by his grandparents, George and Roxy Ridgeway, and later moved to live with his Aunt Susie around age 11. He attended Butler schools and the segregated Choctaw County Training School in Lisman, Alabama. His first passion was baseball, where he was a star picture in Butler and was recruited for training camp before a childhood accident tragically led to the loss of a hand.
At around age 19, Luther arrived in Philadelphia in 1955, where he sought new opportunities while still encountering segregation and racism, something he'd hoped to leave behind. Determined to build a new life, he stayed at the YMCA on Arch Street (now Le Méridien) and pursued his education, earning his GED from Benjamin Franklin High School and studying Computer Technology and Network Engineering at CCP. He worked for 28 years at Bearings Incorporated before dedicating 13 years of service to the Red Cross.
Luther served as one of the Preachers at the Church of Christ at 8th and Norris and authored the book, "That I May Know Him: Philippians 3:10."
Despite personal challenges, his love for his family and their achievements was a source of immense pride and happiness.
He was preceded in death by his wife Bernadette Ridgeway (née Jones), and his brother, Ivy Ridgeway (Florida)I. He is survived by his deeply beloved sister, Essimena Wiley (Seattle, Washington), and two other siblings he was never able to reunite with by way of his mother Bertha L. Ratchford.
His enduring legacy is carried on by his children: Erick Graham and Mark Graham from a relationship with Ms. Henrietta Graham; children though marriage, Ronita Jones (married to Calvin Hill) and Lex Jones (married to Alicia Moore); Blair Ridgeway (partner Arcilia Miranda), Keziah Ridgeway (married to Matthew Cicero), his children with Bernadette Ridgeway; as well as Angel Caldwell-Powell (married to Samuel Powell) his daughter from a relationship with Gwendolyn Kemp.
His family's roots in Butler, Alabama, remain strong, as he always spoke with fondness of St. Mary's Methodist Church, where many Ridgeway's are laid to rest. His ultimate pride was his ever-expanding family including grandchildren Ebony Jones, Terrell Jones, Rayshawna Jones, Nasir Baker, Lex Dykwane Bumpess, Elijah Bumpess, Rashaun Jones, Shaquill Jones and Calvin Moore, Azalea Ridgeway, Thomas Ridgeway, Mark Graham Jr., Salahudeen Cicero, Sahar Cicero, Safi Cicero, Siraj Cicero, Alexus Graham, Alexcia Graham, Alece Graham, Anyha Coffey, Quymir Coffey, Alaiya Caldwell, Malechy Caldwell-Powell and dozens of other grand and great-grandchildren.
In his final moments, we are eternally grateful to his home health care aids, Ameenah "Felicia" Drayton, his granddaughter Rayshawna "Cenida" Jones, and Anjanette "Anji" Alvarado, in his final weeks, days and moments, their care for him was immeasurable.
Special Acknowledgments: The Ridgeway and Jones family would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all of our family and friends for their multiple acts of kindness as we grieve the passing of our beloved Father. May God be pleased with and reward you all for your efforts. We would also like to thank the entire G. Choice Funeral Home staff for helping us through this process, Brother Ed Jones of Church of Christ 8th and Norris Congregation, Affinity Hospice Care and P4Hub.
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