Janie Malbrue

Mother Janie Ruth Malbrue age 90, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend transitioned peacefully on June 26, 2024, at Town Hall Estates Nursing Home in Arlington, Texas.

Born Janie Ruth Williams on January 24, 1934, in Cabin Row, Tennessee she was the fourth child of Margaret Collins Williams and Johnnie Boyd Williams. She was affectionately known as her mother’s favorite among her siblings.

Janie spent her formative years in Paris, Tennessee. From a young age, she embraced her faith and united with the Allen Temple CME Church. Janie’s devotion to her faith in Jesus Christ and her passion for learning were evident in her childhood and throughout her life. She received her education through the Henry County School System and graduated from Central High School in 1953, remaining a proud and active alumna.

In her early years, Janie married R.Q. Phillips, left Paris, Tennessee and relocated to Houston, Texas. They began their lives together and raised six children David Lee, Gloria, Derek Von, Janis, Doris, and Carla until their union came to an end.

Years later, Janie met and married Clifford Malbrue of Crowley, LA. Their union welcomed her youngest daughter Kathleen. Janie and Clifford united with Kashmere Garden Baptist Church in Houston, Texas, under the leadership of Pastor Gene A. Canada. She served faithfully as a Deaconess, Mass Choir member, Sunday School teacher, Finance Ministry member and worked in other ministries. They also embraced their two eldest granddaughters, Sheba and Nekita, as their own and helped raise them with love.

Janie’s dedication to personal growth led her to pursue further education at the Academy of Business where she studied Accounting. She then dedicated many years to her role as a Medical Records Clerk at Ripley Medical Clinic in the Harris County Hospital District.

In 1983, Janie and Clifford relocated to Arlington, Texas, and joined Mt. Olive Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor N. L. Robinson. There, she faithfully served on the Deaconess Board, sang in the Senior Choir, attended Sunday School, and contributed to various other ministries.

After a brief relocation to Gary, Indiana, for Clifford’s job, they joined the Clark Road Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Pharis Evans Sr. Janie continued her devoted service in the choir and participated actively in various church ministries.

Following Clifford’s retirement, they returned to Arlington, Texas, where Janie dedicated many years to providing compassionate care to the elderly as a home healthcare agent.

Their union ended when Clifford departed this life on July 2, 1993. During her season as a widow, Janie remained active in serving the church, her community, and her family. She retired from Arlington Independent School District, where she worked as a Nutritionist. Janie also found joy in attending the New Beginnings Senior Center weekly and spending time there with fellow senior church members.

Janie had a natural affinity for people and flourished in social settings. She served as Vice-Queen of the Ruby Reds Chapter of the Red Hat Society in Arlington, Texas. She enjoyed traveling to local conventions each year, gathering for celebrations, and fellowshipping.

Janie loved her children and family with every fiber of her being. There wasn’t anything she wouldn’t do for her family. Her presence at family gatherings brought warmth and unity. Janie’s genuine love, kindness, and quick witted humor will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Though Janie’s departure has left an irreplaceable void, her memory will forever be cherished. Her legacy of love and laughter will continue to inspire and guide us. May her beautiful soul rest in eternal peace.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Margaret Collins Williams and Johnnie Boyd Williams; her husband Deacon Clifford Malbrue; two sisters Dorothy Jewell Clark and Mary Grace Williams; and three brothers Joe Williams, Leroy Williams, and Larry Williams; son David Lee Williams; and daughter Gloria Ann Phillips.

She leaves to cherish her memories: four daughters Janis Summers (Conrad) of New Orleans, LA, Doris Fenix of Houston, TX, Carla Chaplin of Fort Worth, TX, and Kathleen Malbrue of Arlington, TX; one son Derek Von Phillips Sr. (Nitta) of Houston, TX; eight grandchildren Sheba Owens (Ralph) of Richmond, TX, Johnece Phillips of Washington, DC, Nekita Phillips, Chelsea Phillips, Lakeshia Phillips, Tyona Phillips, Damarque Phillips and Derek Von Phillips Jr. of Houston, TX; eleven great-grandchildren Amari Harper of Atlanta, GA, Raven Harper of Dallas, TX, Cherish Shallerhorn, Maiya Woodley, Niyah Stewart, Brian Keith Woodley Jr., Damarien Phillips, Lauren Woodley, Elaysia Phillips, Amira Phillips, and Ezaria Phillips of Houston, TX; two brothers Clyde Williams and James Warren Williams of Paris, TN; seven nieces Deborah Howard and Angela Williams of Atlanta, GA, Dametajo Coleman-Williams and Carol Williams of Paris, TN, Laquonya Todd of Raeford, NC, Lagail Todd of Murray, KY, and Sherie Haynes of Indianapolis, IN; four nephews Emmett Williams of Nashville, TN, Michael McFarland of Indianapolis, IN, Anthony Williams and Lawarren Todd of Paris, TN; four great-nieces Jamila Howard of Arlington, VA, Yolanda Tyler of Grand Prairie, TX; Curan Singletary of Atlanta, GA, and Candace Williams of Dallas, TX; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.