Ruby Jefferson

I said, "Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest. ~ Psalm 55:6

Sister Ruby Lee Jefferson was born July 24, 1938 in Waterproof, Louisiana to the late Thomas and Lucy Jefferson. Sister Jefferson was a long-time member of the St. John Church Unleashed in Grand Prairie, Texas and stayed committed to doing the Lord's work until she departed this life. Sister Jefferson's appreciation for education began when she graduated from Tensas Parish High School where she was inspired to be an educator, leading her to attend Grambling State University where she obtained her Bachelor of Science Degree in Education, her Master of Science Degree in Education from Texas Southern University, Teaching Certification from Southern Methodist University and advanced academic courses in education from Bishop College and University of Dallas. After graduating college, Sister Jefferson was excited to begin her career in teaching. She began her teaching career with eight (8) years at Dalworth Elementary followed by one year at Bowie Elementary School. For thirty-five (35) years she taught 4th grade and gifted and talented students at Eisenhower Elementary School. Her teaching career spanned a total of forty-four (44) years. Sister Jefferson remained active in community service, as a volunteer in numerous organizations. She served various offices in the Eisenhower Parent Teacher Association, Board of Directors for Children First Center, Board of Directors at Grand Prairie Memorial Library, Board of Directors at American Heart Association, Girl Troop Leader for Troop #740, Board of Directors at St. John Dalworth Federal Credit Union. Throughout her life, Sister Jefferson was a faithful and devoted Christian who did not hesitate to witness to others. She was a long time member of St. John Church Unleashed where she served as Assistant Superintendent of Sunday School, Sunday School Teacher, Senior Women of Faith Teacher, Victorious Disciples Children Teacher, Victorious Disciple's Heart To Heart Mentor, Announcing Clerk, and Youth and Children's ministries. She devoted her time creating a path for others, always encouraging them to be their best. On July 2, 2025 Sister Jefferson was called home to be with the Lord for eternal rest. She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings Carrie, Thomas, Jr., Rosie and Charlie. She leaves to cherish her memory to her sister, Millie L. Jefferson; her brother, Cicero D. Jefferson (Beulah); honorary niece, Regina Carter; and a host of nephews, nieces, godson, other relatives, and friends. If Sister Jefferson was with us today she would tell us that "I DID IT MY WAY!" I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only but unto all them also that love his appearing. ~ 2 Timothy 4:7

C ELEBRATING THE L IFE , L OVE AND L EGACY OF

C ELEBRATION OF L IFE

Thursday, July 10, 2025 11:00 AM S T . J OHN C HURCH U NLEASHED 1701 West Jefferson Street—Grand Prairie, TX 75051

Dr. Denny D. Davis, Senior Pastor Officiating: Reverend Daryl Atkinson

Processional/Viewing……..………….………..... Clergy and Family

Scripture Readings Old Testament………………………….... Minister Debra Kelso New Testament…………………….……... Minister Ruth Battie

Prayer of Comfort…………..…..………… Reverend Patricia Scott

Musical Tribute…………….……………...…….. Ministry in Music St. John Church Unleashed Choir

Resolutions/Acknowledgements……………..... Sister Glenda Gregg

Special Remarks ……………......................…...... Sister Emma Sharp Sunday School and Senior Women of Faith Ministry Musical Tribute…………….……………...…….. Ministry in Music St. John Church Unleashed Choir

Eulogy…..…………………..… Dr. Denny D. Davis, Senior Pastor

Recessional ……..……………...…….………..... Clergy and Family

One of the joys of my life is teaching young students. I want learning to be a happy and exciting experience for all the boys and girls that I teach and touch. It is my belief that a teacher is a person who helps others learn and that means more than explaining, lecturing, and drilling. The great teacher adds creativity and inspiration; and the greatest teacher adds love, caring, and sharing. No matter what you do as a teacher you will be acting as a model for all the students. If I am enthusiastic, my students will be enthusiastic. I want learning to be a happy, exciting experience for all my students. For this to happen, I must, as a teacher, provide a nurturing and

caring environment rich in opportunities for success for all my students, from the learning disabled to the high achiever or gifted. I want my classroom environment to be a warm and secure place where my children will experience on a daily basis a positive attitude and lots of selflove. I begin each of my teaching units with "This is going to be fun." I say to my students, "You are going to love doing this." I want to continually set the tone of fun and love and the thought that everyone can do this. Every day I want to make certain that each of my students will learn something new about math, reading, writing, science, health, social studies, and about life. Every day I start all over again letting them know that they all can learn. I am certain that every child can learn -- my challenge and my responsibility as a teacher is to make this happen. An enormous amount of energy must be devoted to this task. As a teacher I am the motivator, the class leader, and the classroom manager. I have had a long love affair with teaching, it is my first love. -Ms. Ruby Jefferson

We are beyond thankful and grateful the Lord blessed us to know Sister Ruby Jefferson. She was faithful, a dedicated teacher, a mentor, spiritual, a prayer warrior, beautiful, a virtuous woman of God and so much more. Her life was a positive impact to her family, church, community and friends. She was a bright and shining light to all who knew her. We bonded in church service, church school and noon day bible study. We had meaningful conversations about Christ, the bible and church school. We enjoyed spending lime at her favorite restaurants. Sister Jefferson was always ready to provide scriptures, prayers and words of encouragement. She absolutely love and enjoyed her Sunday School class. We enjoyed her home-made baked desserts and treats over the years. She was truly a blessing in our lives and will be missed dearly. Always remembered and forever in our hearts. Ephesians 2:10 - For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. KJV Brad & Michelle Woods

Thank You! Thank you for the many years of friendship, love and nurturing. Thank you for all the lunches you prepared, always adding a Pepsi because you knew ii was my favorite. Thank you for our Monday Outings after you retired because you were missing your students. Thank you for modeling class and elegance, teaching me to always conduct myself as "a lady." Thank you for praying for me, even when you were ill and needed prayer. Thank you for being a woman of faith and a Godly role model. Thank you for always being my teacher!

Your Mentee, Glenda Gregg

We, the family wish to express our sincere gratitude for the many expressions of love, kindness, and support shown during this time of bereavement. A special thanks to our church family, St. John Church Unleased. We thank the caregivers at the House of Love Assisted Living and DFW Veranda Assisted Living.

Thursday, July 10, 2025 at 1:00 PM Grand Prairie Memorial Gardens 3001 S. Beltline Rd. Grand Prairie, Texas 75052 REPAST A post funeral repast will be held following the Service at St. John Church Unleased Grand Prairie 1701 West Jefferson Street—Grand Prairie, TX 75051