Ruby Thomas Marshall

1921 - 2017

Ruby Thomas Marshall

Ruby was born on December 8, 1921 to the parents of Tom and Florence Flanagan Thomas in Mansfield, Louisiana.

She confessed Christ and was baptized at the Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Oxford where she remained a faithful member until her demise. Ruby loved to read her bible, and it was this love that led to her collection of bibles and other religious books. She also regularly attended Mt. Zion in Kingston and Shady Grove No. 2 Baptist Church in her local community.

Ruby received her elementary and secondary education in the Desoto Parish School System. She later attended Grambling State University, where she received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education. She taught at Desoto and Caddo parishes. She taught at several schools including, Pine Valley, Westwood, Caddo Heights, and Northside Elementary.

Ruby was joined in holy matrimony to the late Baker Marshall of Kingston, Louisiana in July, 1946. They were married for over 50 years before being separated by death. This union was blessed with two daughters, Estella and Nanette Alisha. Family was very important to her, and each Sunday was spent worshipping and breaking bread with those that she loved.

Her life was not complete without the friends that she had met along life's journey. She was a member of the Order of Eastern Stars for over 60 years. She loved traveling, good food, and socializing with her friends. She was an active member of the Las Fileles Social Club, Golden Girls Luncheon Group and A.B. Palmer Senior Citizens' Group where she loved the art of making ceramics. She also loved meeting and greeting with her Retired Caddo Parish Teachers. She always welcomed them with a smile and her great sense of humor.

Her travels carried her from the east coast to the west coast, the Holy Land, and cruises in international waters. She was a very fashion conscious lady, and will be remembered for her style of dressing. Long before Michelle Obama was born, Ruby could be seen wearing her shirtwaist dresses, heels, and white pearls. She was still wearing her trademark "high heels" at age 94.

She was preceded in death by her parents; Tom & Florence Thomas, her husband, Baker Marshall, and her daughter, Estella M. Allen.

Cherishing her memories are: daughter, Nanette M. Foster (Harold); grandsons, Minister Dameon Marshall (Kellie), Jimmie Allen (Onetha), Zachary Foster, Harold Foster, Jr.; granddaughter, Denisha Estella Foster; great-granddaughters, Mekencie Marshall, Jishel, India JaEstella,and Makala Allen. SuDonna Gay; great-grandsons Joshua Gay(Sharonda), Simeon La'Baker Marshall, and Arthur Brown Jr. and three great great grands; a special cousin/god brother, Curtis Williams; sisters-in-law, Ollie F. Marshall, and Louella Dyess along with a host of other relatives and friends. Although, this is a great separation, we thank God for the life and legacy of Ruby T. Marshall. We know we will meet again! Until then……

Acknowledgements:

The family of Ruby T. Marshall would like to thank the Willis Knighton Hospital (3rd Floor staff, physicians and nurses), St. Joseph Hospice & AIM program) and a special thanks to Dr. Bickham and Thompson Home Health for your long-term care of our dear "Madea."

Services celebrating the life of Ruby Thomas Marshall will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, February 25, 2017 at Mount Zion Baptist Church, 1174 LA 5, Grand Cane, LA. Family Hour will held be Friday, February 24, 2017 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., Winnfield Funeral Home, 3701 Hollywood Ave, Shreveport, LA (318) 631-0203.