Ruth-Ann Brown &
John Jemison

South End​

​

On a chilly winter morning while on his way to work, John L. Jemison saw people standing outside in the cold waiting to access the food pantry at Union United Methodist Church, of which he is a member. He used his organizational skills and connections at Goldstein Office Furniture to make the process smoother and more physically comfortable. “My goal was to make sure that everyone who visited the food pantry was treated with dignity and respect,” John said.

 

Eventually, he enlisted his longtime church member and friend, Ruth Ann Brown, who handled hospitality with ease –  welcoming residents with a smile and words of encouragement, and facilitated cooperation and seating arrangements while people waited to be served. 

 

“Anyone who is in need can receive food from the pantry,” said Ruth. “All are welcome.”
 

She explained that volunteering at the food pantry goes well beyond packing food. “You attend classes and workshops about health and nutrition, administer surveys, and vet people for food allergies and certain medical conditions.”
 

Now Union’s food pantry is stocked by the Greater Boston Food Pantry, but in years past, John was known to purchase additional items from his own funds. During COVID, he began to deliver food in the South End and all over the city. “Most people have my number,” he said. “They know that they can call me if their food runs low before the month ends. We all need a helping hand sometimes.”
 

John is a little uncomfortable with the Community Hero recognition, but said that he's “grateful and gratified to know that someone noticed.”

 

“I am grateful and thankful to God for my health and strength to be able to do this work,” Ruth added.
 

Both long-time members of Union United Methodist Church in the South End, Ruth and John have been serving together for over 50 years.

 

John now owns Goldstein Office Furniture, serves on Union’s Usher Board, Board of Trustees, and is a past-president of the Men’s Ministry, and Board of Trustees and the Finance Committee at Union.  

 

Ruth served as a trustee and director of Christian Education at Union United Methodist Church.