Mansfield, Louisiana and was the cherished sixth child of Willie Lee and Emma Alexander Jones. Affectionately known as “Ruth” among her loved ones, she embraced faith early in life, accepting Christ at the tender age of 12 and later being baptized at Elizabeth Baptist Church #3.
Ruth’s journey of learning and service began with her graduation from DeSoto High School in 1963. She left Mansfield, LA to pursue her dreams in Houston, TX, where she worked diligently and saved money to attend Texas Southern University (TSU). It was there that she earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with a minor in Chemistry. Her thirst for knowledge and adventure led her to join the United States Peace Corps in 1972, where she dedicated three impactful years to teaching mathematics in Freetown, Sierra Leone, aiming to uplift educational standards.
Upon her return to the United States, Ruth earned a Master of Education from TSU. She then played a crucial role in the Houston Independent School District, where she influenced the development of young students as a middle school math teacher at Holland Middle School for more than thirty years. Throughout her career, she imparted not only knowledge but also compassion, love, and dedication, touching the lives of countless students, including a niece and nephew.
Outside of teaching, Ruth found comfort and happiness in different activities. She enjoyed watching Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy and CNN in the evenings, loved traveling, solving puzzles, and adding African red pepper to her meals for extra flavor. Her weekends were devoted to family, nurturing bonds with her nieces and nephews, tutoring them in math, teaching them how to cook, and creating lasting memories. Ruth was the soft voice that calmed heated family debates.
Ruth peacefully departed this world on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, at the age of 79, leaving behind a legacy of love and service. She is survived by her sisters: Eula Jones Bradford, Bettie Jones, and Lessie Dancy; 19 nieces and nephews whom she adored and nurtured as her own; along with a multitude of great nieces, nephews, cousins, and cherished friends.
Preceding her in death were her parents, Willie Lee and Emma Jones; brothers, William “Pinto” and Ossie Jones; sisters, Olevia Jones, and Bertha “Sister” Adkins; as well as her niece, LaShonda Harrell, and nephew, Michael Jones. Ruth’s departure leaves a void in the hearts of her extended family, who will forever miss her gentle spirit and boundless generosity.
