Pastor Ruby McQueen

Pastor Ruby McQueen

Poughkeepsie - Pastor Ruby McQueen, 85, a sixty-eight year resident of Poughkeepsie, NY, departed this life on Sunday, February 9, 2014 at The River Valley Nursing Home in Poughkeepsie. She was born in Ellerslie, Georgia, on Sunday February 12, 1928, the daughter of the Late Johnnie and Arlena Hamiel. Pastor McQueen was the 13th child of 15. She received her education in Ellerslie, Georgia public schools.

As a child Pastor McQueen attended Central Baptist Church where she received Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at a young age. Pastor McQueen was set apart from most people, "quiet and to herself" as she once quoted.

She met her loving Husband the Late Sam Willie McQueen in Bellgrade, Florida and was united as one in holy matrimony in Marion, South Carolina on Thursday, July 24, 1952.

Pastor McQueen and her husband later moved to the State of New York.

Pastor McQueen studied to be a nurse and worked at the former daycare located on Union Street as a teaching aide assistant also doing domestic house work when available. After settling in Poughkeepsie Pastor McQueen met the Late Bishop Mack and Addie McClinton where she joined the Holy Light Pentecostal Church in Poughkeepsie under his leadership and served as the President of the Missionary Circle (board) and as the children Sunday School Teacher.

In the later years, Pastor McQueen left Holy Light and established her own church; Outreach Healing Temple with her husband in Poughkeepsie, overseeing multiple churches. Pastor McQueen was a stellar student graduating from Dutchess Community College, Community Bible Institute, Christ Theology Seminary, and Manhattan Bible College; receiving a host of degrees and awards.

She leaves to cherish her loving memory, one daughter; Irene "Jean" McQueen, four grandchildren; Timothy McQueen, Ruth M. (Ruthie) McQueen and the twins; Jennifer A. McQueen and Samuel D. McQueen, all of Poughkeepsie; one special daughter-in law Qiona Jones of Kingston, NY; seven great-grandchildren; Azalea, the twins; Talib and Hadiya, all of Kingston, NY, Gabriel, Jeremiah, Elijah and Samahdi McQueen; Also leaving behind to cherish were her two sisters; Magnolia Williams and Minnie Bell Travis, both of Poughkeepsie, NY. As well as one Goddaughter; Pastor Audrey E. Giles and one very special sister and friend who cared for her up until the day of her death ,Pastor Maxine McQueen, a lifelong friend Bishop Pauline Stokes and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many other dear friends.

Funeral Services will be held at 10 am. Thursday, February 20, 2014 at the Beulah Baptist Church, 92 Catherine St, Poughkeepsie with Bishop Brooks and Pastor Maxine McQueen officiating. Burial to follow in Union Cemetery, Hyde Park.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Joseph J. Darrow Sr. Funeral Home Inc., 39 S. Hamilton St. Poughkeepsie. 845-452-1840 Visit our website to send an online condolence at darrowfuneralhome.org