Mrs. Ruby Marion Elmore Williams

On September 13, 1937 a beautiful daughter was born to Albert and Iona Elmore in Coldspring, Texas. They lovingly named her Ruby after her maternal grandmother, Ruby Turner. She fell asleep in death May 1, 2019. Ruby was the eldest of twelve children and she never let us forget that she was the boss! At an early age she began her educational journey at Lincoln Elementary, and graduated in 1954 (at the age of sixteen) from Lincoln High School. That was just the beginning of her academic endeavors, as she chose to continue her education by attending Prairie View A & M University. While at Prairie View, she became a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. and elected Miss Evans Hall. In May of 1958, Ruby graduated with a B.S. in Elementary Education. Before we knew it, our boss was back home teaching school, at the age of twenty. Oh, what an experience and adjustment that was. We just couldn’t get ready for her taking the paddle to us, but through it all she always had our backs. She drove us to school in her cool, black, sports car (Chevrolet Impala), bought us our first black and white television, purchased band instruments, and even raised money for band suits.  Ruby not only invested in our recreation, but also in our education, she always ensured that her sisters and brothers had the latest and best educational resources. To our delight she purchased our first set of World Book Encyclopedias. After putting up with us for a while, Ruby married A.D. Darden and to that union was born a son Andre, who preceded her in death, and a daughter Mario, who everyone affectionately calls Lynn. Later, she married Artice Williams whom also proceeded her in death. Establishing a family of her own increased her strong desire to help children. To that end, Ruby went back to school and received her Masters degree in Counseling and Guidance.  She was a beloved counselor in the North Forest Independent School District, and was rewarded for her outstanding work with children.  In the 1980’s, Ruby was honored for her achievements in education at the White House Rose Garden by President Ronald Reagan. Ruby eventually retired from North Forest I.S.D, and couldn’t just stay home and do nothing! So, she went back to work, serving and helping children in the Galena Park, Sheldon, and Channelview Independent School Districts. In addition to her work there, Ruby became a certified travel agent. It is because of Ruby that many of us had a sunny and fun time on a luxury Mediterranean Cruise. We could go on and on about Ruby, but time won’t permit it.  Oh, how we love her, will miss her and will cherish our time together with our Big Sister. Ruby was preceded in death by her son Andre, parents Albert and Iona Elmore, and brother John Albert Elmore.  She leaves to cherish fond memories her beautiful daughter, Mario (Lynn), sisters Albra M. Holiday, Emma K. Osborne ( Retired Colonel Tommy Osborne), Iona V. Tinsley, Ester D. Wynn (Leon Wynn), Debra K. Davis (Ivory Davis Jr.),  and Dr. Omega Faye Elmore (Dr. Ronald Gelzer), “special sister” Priscilla Barnes, brothers Dennal H. Elmore (Jacqueline Elmore), James H. Elmore (Shirley Elmore), and Bennie Elmore (Miranda Elmore) Aunt Rosetta Williams. Ruby also leaves to honor her legacy fifteen nieces, seven nephews, and a host of grand nieces, grand nephews, cousins, friends, and former students.