Ruby Belle Jamison Gist

Ruby Belle Jamison Gist, age 89, of Tyler, passed from her earthly life and into the arms of her Lord and Savior in the mid-afternoon hours of Wednesday, December 19, 2012 at the Hamptons at Pine Forest in Tyler. She was born on October 18, 1923 in Austin, TX to Jesse Forbes and Emma Belle Purser Jamison; they preceded her in death. Ruby attended the University of Texas and played violin in the Austin Symphony. She married the love of her life and life-long best friend, William Jack Gist, on March 6, 1945 at her parents’ home in Austin. After 67 years of marriage and life-time of memories, Jack passed away peacefully within hours of learning of his beloved wife’s passing.

Ruby loved being a homemaker, but her greatest joy came from being a wife, mother and grandmother. She also enjoyed reading, crocheting, and bird watching. She was a member of Green Acres Baptist Church and the Care and Share Sunday School Class. Before moving to Tyler in 2000, she was an active member of Crestview Baptist Church in Georgetown, TX where she taught Sunday school, sang in the choir, and served on various committees.

Ruby is survived by two children; James Michael Gist, and wife Suzy, of Duncan, OK and Kathy Ann Roper, and husband Phil, of Dallas, TX; grandchildren, Lindsay Leigh Toth, Jarrett Cade Gist, Geoffrey Ryan Roper, Lauren Elizabeth Roper, Amy Michele Gist, and Michael Vance Gist; and by great-grandchildren, Carson James Toth and Caleb Knox Gist.

She was also preceded in death by one son, William Jack Gist, Jr.; two brothers, John Jamison and Jesse Jamison, Jr.; one sister, Elsie Jamison; and one grandson, William Patrick Gist.

Services for Jack and Ruby Gist will be held at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, December 29, 2012 at Lloyd James Funeral Home with Dr. Darryle Dunks officiating. Burial will follow at Cathedral in the Pines Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral service Saturday morning.