Ruby was born November 24, 1917, to John Arch and Bertha Farish Clark in Winston County. She was a member of Union Ridge Baptist Church where she was active in various church activities. She played the piano and the organ and served many years as a Sunday school teacher for the Ladies class. Ruby was a true Bible student; faithfully reading her Bible through many times and she completed all the study courses offered by the state-wide Baptist organization. She was truly the hands and feet of Jesus to her community; always ready to minister to anyone during their time of need. Ms. Ruby enjoyed searching her family’s genealogy.
Ruby is survived by two daughters: Irma Smith and husband Dr. Elvin Smith II of College Station, Texas; and Nona Young and husband Johnny of Noxapater. One of her greatest joys was being “Grandma” to her four grandchildren: Elvin (Rebecca) Smith III; Forrest Smith; Kimberly (Jamie) Flake; and Chris Young. She also leaves behind to mourn her passing four great-grandchildren: Braxton Flake; Jaycie Claire Flake; Brayden Young, and Elvin Smith IV; as well as a host of nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband Thomas Herdie Coward; her parents; and her brother James Oliver Clark.
Serving as pallbearers are Chris Young, Jamie Flake, Forrest Smith, and Elvin Smith III. Memorial gifts in honor of Ms. Ruby may be given to Union Ridge Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Jamie Clark, 1629 Johnson 5 Road, Noxapater, MS 39346.
Services are under the direction of Nowell Massey Funeral Home, 724 North Columbus Avenue, Louisville, MS. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by signing the guest register at www.nowellmasseyfuneralhome.com.
