Obituary published on Legacy.com by A Life Celebration by Franklin - Taylor on Jan. 24, 2025.
Ruby Faye Brooks, began her earthly journey on February 16, 1935, to the proud parents of Leondrus Brooks Sr. and Pollie Ann Saddler-Brooks in the rural community of Milam County, Maysfield, Texas.
Ruby was the sixth child born into the union of Leondrus Brooks Sr. and Pollie Ann Saddler- Brooks. She was raised with her nine siblings: Three Sisters - Rev. Ivory L. Saddler-Wheeler, Ara Mae Brooks, and Vella Brooks. Five Brothers - Marvin Ondell Brooks, Hubert Brooks Sr., Charles Lee Brooks, Alvin T. Brooks, and Leondrus Brooks Jr.
Ruby met and married James Pittman Sr, in April of 1954. Three children were born to this union, sons: Hubert Ray Pittman Sr., David Lee Pittman Sr., and Albert Wayne Pittman. Later she birthed two additional sons, Jefferey Lloyd Brooks and Paul Eldridge Brooks. She took her nephew, Bennie Brooks, under her wings. She cherished all her nephews and nieces. In 1998, she adopted her grand-daughter, Ashanta Brooks.
Ruby began her education at Vindale Elementary which was later renamed Cuerington Elementary in Maysfield, Texas, also she attended O.J Thompson in Cameron, Texas, and attended L.C. Anderson High School in
Austin, Texas. In the late 1980's, she went back to school and obtain her certification as a Nursing Assistant at Austin Community College,
Austin, Texas. She had to discontinue her education at ACC due to becoming ill but that didn't discourage her passion for taking care of the sick. Later she was able to go back and pursue her passion of serving with kindness and for those in the hospitals, home healthcare, private duty and nursing homes. Ruby worked over 30 years at St Edwards Hospital in Cameron, Texas, which later was renamed Central Texas Hospital before closing. At St Edwards hospital Ruby started as a cook and later became a Nurse's Aide. She worked at Colonial Nursing Home and Cameron Nursing Home. She worked over 10 years at Little River Heathcare and Manor Oaks both in Rockdale, Texas. Eventually, she went back to Cameron Nursing Home and worked there until she became sick with Covid-19. She worked long hours as a Nurse's Aide on the day shift with an occasional evening shift. Ruby was admired by The Sisters of Charity at St Edwards Hospital and Central Texas Hospital, the medical staff, patients, and their families. Ruby had the same knowledge as a Registered Nurse and many times performed RN job duties. She was one of their most dependable staff members and was always willing to fill in for a co-worker when there was a need. The director at St Edwards enjoyed their conversations where they shared their common love for Jesus Christ. She was known for her smile as she walked down the hallways assisting patients and their loved ones. Ruby was truly a pillar for her community whether it was helping a single parent with buying school clothes for their children, a ride to the grocery store or doctor's appointment. She didn't mind helping where there was a need. Ruby stood up in the kitchen preparing chicken and dumplings, chicken spaghetti, breakfast for her family and these were all home-cooked meals. She spent weeks preparing for the Brooks Family Reunion every year and ensured there was plenty of food. Let's not forget her favorite pound cake! She was known as the "Pound Cake Lady." Many neighbors remember her sitting on the porch eating watermelon as she waved to them with a big smile on her face.
Ruby was christened at Milam Grove Methodist Church. Ruby accepted Christ at an early age, enjoyed listening to gospel songs and reading the Bible. Her favorite scriptures were Psalm 98: 1-9. Her journey continued in the walk of faith. She joined the Chapel Church of God in Hearne, Texas under the pastorage of late Pastor G.H. Jones in 1988. She would attend regularly with her mother, son, Paul Brooks, and grand-daughter, Ashanta Brooks. Pastor G. H Jones passed away in 2018. One Sunday after hearing Elder Bryant speak, she was convinced that God had chosen him to lead and shepherd them. She loved Pastor Alvis Bryant and Sister Gloria Bryant. She even went so far to let the Bishop know that he needed to send Elder Bryant ASAP! Unbeknownst to her, she was talking to the right person who could make that happen! Pastor Alvis Bryant became the new Pastor, and the church name changed to First Church of God in Christ. Sister Pittman served as an usher, choir member, communion service worker, Pastor's Aide, and in many other areas as needed. She invited family and friends to worship with her.
In September of 2024 until Ruby's passing, she was cared for diligently and compassionately by Carrie Pittman. Ruby is survived by her four sons; Hubert Ray Pittman Sr., Cameron, Texas; David Lee Pittman Sr., Georgetown, Texas; Jefferey Llyod Brooks, Austin Texas; and Paul Elderidge Brooks (Wanda), Cameron Texas. Eight grandchildren; Hubert Ray Pittman Jr., Charlene Latrece Pittman, Chrishonda Chapel, Minister La Toya Renee' Pittman, Sharraie Brooks-Avery (Elder Elmo), Juanita High, David Lee Pittman Jr. (Ambra), Ashanta Raneisha Brooks. Fourteen great-grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren, a host of nieces and nephews who she loved dearly, and friends. Her sister, Vella Brooks-Smith. Special friends Betty Debose, Clementine Ray, Louise and Cortez Bradley, and Mary Gibson who she would call to share the goodness of the Lord.