Even at age 92, Ruth Burton Crawford doesn't easily forget rural Hart County, picking cotton and living in Georgia's racially segregated society.

Although her legacy includes her role as founder of the Shiloh Comprehensive Community Center on 15th Street, Mrs. Crawford, a retired 30-year Richmond County schoolteacher, takes pride in having become an accomplished author.

She recently released her third book, Peace, Power and Purpose of Volunteering.

The compilation describes her 31 years of volunteering at the inner-city community center.

"There was no monetary reward. It's the peace that you get knowing you've helped somebody," she said. "It's a great power when you help somebody. I had a purpose: to get rid of drugs (in the neighborhood) and once that was accomplished, I had peace of mind."

In addition to being an author, Mrs. Crawford is a proud grandmother.

A week ago, she and other family members went to Houston to attend her grandson Marcus Crawford's graduation from Baylor University. There, she watched her grandson receive a medical degree. Two other grandchildren, Christina Crawford and George Crawford Jr., also have medical degrees.

For Mrs. Crawford, seeing her grandchildren's academic achievement represents the fruits of her labor.

"My parents (Jacob and Lizzie Burton) always believed in education," Mrs. Crawford said. "I came from a sharecropping background, but they believed if you could finish high school, then you could teach."

She remembers riding in a blue 1933 Buick when her father relocated their family from Hart County to Augusta. She attended Paine High School, then earned degrees from Paine College, Indiana University and Boston University.

Her husband, George Crawford Sr., died as a result of World War II injuries, she said.

But Mrs. Crawford's crowning glory involves her success as leader of the Shiloh Center she founded in 1977.

On a shoestring budget, she transformed a dilapidated orphanage into a successful community house that became a refuge for the lonely and elderly. It offers educational programs that help steer young people from the grips of drug abuse and despair. She retired as executive director a year ago.

Ed Maner, a local author and former Richmond County educator, is impressed with Mrs. Crawford's literary skills.

"Mrs. Crawford is a superior writer," Mr. Maner said. "All three of her books are impressive. She defines the true meaning of what an author should be. She's an inspiration for many of us."

Reach Timothy Cox at (706) 823-3217 or tim.cox@augustachronicle.com.