Larry Ruth James Hyde

1921 - 2016

Larry Ruth James Hyde, Daytona Beach, passed on March 28, 2016, at her home surrounded by family. She was 94 years old. Mrs. Hyde had been a resident of Daytona Beach for over 50 years. Mrs. Hyde was born in Camden, South Carolina on July 16, 1921, to the late Samuel Walker and Ruth Johnson James. She was the oldest of five children. After graduating from Mather Academy, she matriculated at North Carolina College for Negroes (now North Carolina Central University) in Durham, North Carolina, from which she graduated in 1942. She began her career as a Social Studies teacher at Booker T. Washington High School in Columbia, South Carolina. After a couple of years of teaching she attended Atlanta University (now Clark Atlanta University) to work on her Master's Degree. It was there that she met Paul L. Hyde, a fellow graduate student, and they were married in 1948. Following their marriage the young couple went to Alcorn A&M College, Alcorn, Mississippi. After about a year, Mr. Hyde accepted the position of Business Manager at Bethune-Cookman College (now Bethune-Cookman University) in Daytona Beach, Florida. Although they moved from Daytona Beach once to work at Dillard University in New Orleans, Louisiana, they returned to Daytona Beach where they had established a home. They were blessed with a daughter, Susan Patricia. Her first employment in Daytona Beach was as a secretary at Bethune-Cookman University. After a brief employment at Bethune-Cookman she joined the Volusia County School system, initially working at Turie T. Small Elementary school in the library. At this point, her interest in social studies waned and she began studying for library science then school media at Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY. After completion of her library certification she was appointed as librarian at Turie T. Small Elementary. During the period of integration, Mrs. Hyde was transferred to South Daytona Elementary as librarian. After a year she transferred to Campbell Junior High (presently known as Campbell Middle) where she served as media specialist for 24 years, retiring in 1993. In 1982 she was chosen by the staff as the "Teacher of the Year" and in 1985 she received the prestigious Volusia Educators Human Relations Award. As a professional Educator and Media Specialist, Mrs. Hyde's membership in professional organizations included the National Education Association, Florida Education Association, Volusia Educators Association and the Volusia Association for Media in Education. She was organizer of the first Library Association in Volusia County and a past president. Mrs. Hyde was an avid community worker. She was a member of the National Council of Negro Women, NAACP, volunteered with the Girl Scouts Troop #333, Voter Registration, and Census Education. A long-time member of St. Timothy Episcopal Church, she held several offices in the church and for over thirty years chaired the church's annual Unity Day Program. Her interest and involvement in the children of the church precipitated her being named to the Board of the Learning Center and the children's playground was named the Larry R. Hyde playground in her honor. Also an active member of the Episcopal Church Women where she served as secretary. Mrs. Hyde was an active member of the Daytona Beach Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. She held the office of President and other offices in that Chapter. She also served on the Teen Lift, Jabberwock, Reading for America and the Hats-Off Luncheon committees. Recently, Mrs. Hyde was recognized by the National Grand Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, for 75 years of continuous service in the Sorority. Mrs. Hyde was a charter member of the Daytona Beach Chapter of the Links Incorporated, and remained an active member. At one point she chaired the Links "Rising Stars", a program for teenage girls and boys. Mrs. Hyde was devoted to her family. She enjoyed events and outings with her daughter Susan and her family. But was happiest entertaining her family and friends in her home. For several years, she and her sisters, Dr. Althea J. Truitt and Dr. Ernestyne J. Adams enjoyed traveling and vacationing together. She enjoyed attending family reunions and for nearly two decades she looked forward to joining family and friends at the Carolina Cup races in Camden. She was preceded in death by her husband of 37 years, Paul L. Hyde; her sister Dr. M. Lucia James and brother, W. Norman James. Survivors include: daughter, Susan Hyde Freeman (Nathaniel) Daytona Beach; grandchildren- Ashley N. Brant, Atlanta, GA; Aubrey J. Brant Sr. (Shantoria), Port Orange; great grandson- Aubrey J. Brant, Jr.; sisters- Althea James Truitt and Ernestyne James Adams, Camden, SC; niece- Wendy Truitt Smith(Spencer) Shaw A.F.B., SC; nephews- John and Derrick Truitt, Jacksonville, FL, Todd Adams, Camden, SC; grandnieces- Sidney Lynn and Addison Ruth Smith, ShawA.F.B., SC, Candice Johnson, Miami FL; godsons- Larry Wesley, Daytona Beach, Bruce Frink, Tampa, FL; step granddaughters-Tawana Freeman, Jacksonville, FL; Alexis Edwards, Deland, FL; step grandson- Nathaniel Freeman, Jr.(Kenyatta)Augusta, GA; step great granddaughter- Aniya Edwards and step great grandson Alex Edwards, Deland, FL; Very special extended family members include, "adopted" nieces- Janice Walton Daytona Beach, Lonneen Brown, Ormond Beach; "adopted" daughter, Cheryl Robinson, Detroit, MI; "adopted" granddaughter, Doreece Hines, Daytona Beach; special friends- Alma and Lonnie Brown; and James Daniels; special friend and caregiver, Millie Furry; special neighbor, Yvette Hill, and a multitude of sorrowing loved ones and friends. A wake will be held Friday, April 1, 2016 at St. Timothy's Episcopal Church, 381 N. Lincoln Street, Daytona Beach 5:00 p.m. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, April 2, 2016 at St. James Episcopal Church, 38 S. Halifax Drive, Ormond Beach at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making a contribution to the St. Timothy's Episcopal Church Discretionary Fund. Herbert Thompson Funeral Home in charge of arrangements and services.