Ruby S. Luckett

Ruby Darris-Luckett was born August 17, 1917 in Memphis, TN. She went home to be with the Lord on May 20, 2016. She was one of five children by Jesse Scruggs Sr. and Mary Scruggs (Becton) and the granddaughter of Daniel Becton a former slave.

Ruby accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and was baptized at the age of eleven, at Full View Baptist Church, in Ellendale, TN. She attended elementary and secondary school in Memphis and graduated from Vashon High School in St. Louis, MO. Following graduation, she attended Stowe Teachers College and Washington Business College. While living in St. Louis she joined Central Baptist Church and was an active member. She sang in the Chancellor Choir, Usher Board and attended Sunday School. While working with children she organized the Story Hour, a reading program that was taught at various churches in the city.

In 1961, Ruby moved to Seattle, WA to join her family. She joined Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church under Rev. Hezekiah King Griffin and later under Rev. Dr. Robert L. Manaway Sr., where she was an active member until the Lord brought her home. She served as church secretary/clerk from 1961-1978, had a passion for singing in the choir, was active in Sunday School and the Mission Society. In 1992 she helped arrange for the Senior and Gospel Choirs along with Rev. Manaway to do prison ministry through song in Monroe, WA. Ruby listened to the concerns of the inmates, taught then poetry, visited their families and gave the inmates flowers and Bibles. They crowned her Queen Mother and honored her for her service. Ruby was very active within her church community.

In the summer of 1999 Ruby married the love of her life Clarence Luckett. The two of them were inseparable. They loved gardening together and many times they would prepare meals together. It was always a team effort. Since they were both retired they spent their time visting family in California, St. Louis and Memphis. Their favorite places to eat were Red Lobster, Old Country Buffet and Sizzler. Every August they had an annual birthday dinner at Ivar's. On weekends and holidays they often entertained family and friends.

Ruby had a love for poetry. Many knew she wrote poetry and loved to let others hear it. She enjoyed teaching children and she loved her choir. She often spoke so highly to family and friends about the Sanctuary Choir. She was always excited about dressing up (she was always sharp) and performing. She truly loved and adored her church family. Ruby lived a long glorious life (she would have been 99 in August) and she will be missed by many. She is quoted as saying I consider myself to be a born-again humble servant, willing to run all the way. I know that I am a blessed person and I am very, very grateful. My living testimony is Hallelujah, thank you Jesus. Praise the Lord.

Ruby is preceded in death by her father, Jesse Scruggs Sr., mother Mary Scruggs, siblings: Fanny Woods, Jesse (Bruce) Scruggs Jr, Fred Scruggs, Alzata Davis, niece Joann Davis, and cousin Hazel Becton. She leaves to cherish her memory, her husband Clarence Luckett; stepchildren Alma J. Allen, Darryl A. Luckett (Claudette), Sylvia Luckett and Clarence Luckett Jr.; nephews Lester Kelly-Scruggs, Tommy L. Davis; nieces Bertha Pruitt, Bernice Franklin; cousins Willie (Bill) Alean White, Beverly White; 10 grandchildren including Nilesha Davis, Chekesha Davis and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.