Ruth Esther Best

Ruth Esther Marshall was born on April 18, 1929 in Yoakum, Texas to George and Roberta Marshall. She graduated from high school in Edna, Texas. She attended and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Tillotson College in Austin in 1948. She received a Master’s degree from Texas Southern University in 1956.

During the time of segregation, Ruth moved to Falfurrias in 1948 to accept the position as teacher of the one room school house for the Negro children living in Falfurrias at the time. The school closed in 1949 when the last class graduated; and it was converted to Bethel A.M.E. Church. Acting Superintendent Strong asked Ruth to be the music teacher at the Elementary schools in Falfurrias and Encino. Thus, the Legend was created!

Ruth continued to teach music for Brooks County ISD until she retired in 1989. Ruth remained the only African American teacher in the Region until Regional lines were redrawn in the early 80’s. While teaching at the one room school house, Ruth met and married Nathaniel L. Best on June 3, 1950. Ruth continued to reside in Falfurrias until her death.

Ruth was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Inc., Texas State Teacher’s Association, Layman’s Organization of the A. M. E. Church 10th Episcopal District, United Methodist Women’s Organization, Retired Teachers Association, County Extension Club, and the Red Hat Society. Ruth was honored as the GrayFest Outstanding Senior for Brooks County in 1994. She received numerous Certificates of Recognition for Community Service.

Ruth enjoyed reading, playing Scrabble, baking and playing the piano at home while singing with her family. She also was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan. On any given Saturday when there was a Marathon of John Wayne movies showing she was glued to the television.

Mrs. Best is preceded in death by a sister Georgette Marshall, Father George Marshall, Mother Roberta Earlene Marshall, Mother-in-Law Willie Best, Husband Nathaniel L. Best Jr., and Great grandson Kristian Xavier.

Ruth is survived by her Son Marshall L. Best, Daughter Natalye R. Best, Daughter-in Law Julie Smithers Best, Grand Daughter Sharis Mohair, Grandson Marshall Best II. She is also survived by a host of relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 14, 2019 at the Funeraria Del Angel Howard Williams in Falfurrias as well as Friday, February 15, 2019 from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. with family receiving friends and relatives from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m on Friday. Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 16, 2019 at the First United Methodist Church in Falfurrias with burial to follow at the Falfurrias Burial Park.