Dr. Ruby Ora Williams

(Asbury Park Press)

DR. RUBY ORA
WILLIAMS
AGE: 83 GLASSBORO
Dr. Ruby Ora Williams, 83, passed away Friday, May 1, 2009, at her home in Glassboro. She was born in Lakewood. Miss Williams received her Bachelor's Degree in English from Virginia Union University in Richmond, Va. She received her Master's Degree at Howard University in Washington, D.C. and her Doctorate from the University of California. As a world traveler, Miss Williams taught at Morgan University in Baltimore, Southern University in Louisiana, and Tuskegee University in Alabama. She founded the Black Studies Department at California State University. A Lyric Coloratura, Ora often appeared with her four other sisters in concert. Soloist appearances include singing Negro Spirituals at Sorbonne in Paris and thrilling listeners at the Golgotha. In addition to teaching and performing, Ora wrote. Her works include Black Women in the Arts and Sciences; A Bio-Bibliography of the Life and Works of Charles W. Williams (who chaired the committee that formed Burlington Community College.) Much time was spent on the Works of Eva Jessye and editing, An Alice Dunbar Nelson Reader. Dr. Williams is listed in Who's Who in the West, Who's, Who in Black America and 1978 Edition of Contemporary Authors. Ora was a member of the All Saints Episcopal Church, Long Beach, Calif. She was active in the prayer group and Senior Choir.
Dr. Ruby Ora Williams leaves to cherish her memory, a sister, Barbara E. Williams; a sister-in-law, Vera V. Williams; four nieces, Ntozake Shange, Ifa Bayeza, Bisa Williams, and Adrienne Green; three nephews, Charles Williams, Art Green, and Paul T. Williams Jr.; and her great-nieces and nephews, as well as many other relatives and friends.
Family and friends may call from 5 p.m. Friday, May 8 until the funeral service at 6 p.m. at The Fountain of Life Center, Florence. Interment will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 9 at White Ridge Cemetery, Eatontown. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Virginia Union University, Richmond, Va. Arrangements are by W.R. Woody Funeral Home, Burlington.