Ruby M James

Ruby May James was born on March 24, 1930 in Garden Hill, St. Catherine, Jamaica to the late John and Avis Morgan. She was called to be with the Lord on Wednesday, December 28, 2022. She was preceded in death by her husband Caswell A. James, her dear and loving husband of over 44 years.

At a young age, Ruby came to know the Lord and accepted him as her Savior. She was a devoted Woman of God and throughout her life she led many family members, friends and acquaintances to Christ. She was known as a Prayer Warrior who would pray unceasingly and fast regularly, and encouraged her loved ones to do the same. She was the 4th of 12 children and was very close to her brothers and sisters while growing up in Jamaica. She raised 6 children of her own in Jamaica along with other nieces, nephews who came to live at her home in Elletson Flats. She was a member of Jones Town Gospel Hall Church in Kingston, Jamaica. In addition to raising her family, she also worked with the former Prime Minister of Jamaica, Sir Donald Sangster as his Head Chef.

On December 2, 1982, Ruby moved to the United States with her husband Caswell and younger children, settling in Springfield, VA. During this time, she helped raise her grandchildren, with discipline and love. She also quickly found a church home and became an active member of the Church of the Nazarene in Alexandria, VA. Later in life, she and her family looked for a new church home and joined Full Gospel AME Zion Church in Temple Hills, MD. She was a participating church member until the passing of her beloved husband, Caswell. Ruby enjoyed time within her home and also held several jobs outside of her home in the hospitality industry, making many friends along the way. Ruby eventually joined Antioch Baptist Church and attended Sunday services, until experiencing a stroke one week before her eightieth birthday. Despite her stroke, she continued worshiping and praising the Lord and also participated in church services while at Woodbine Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center in Alexandria, VA.

Ruby is survived by her three sisters Sheila Elliott, Veta Morgan and Doxy Morgan Smith, her six children Acava Chambers, Michael James, Ilene Barclay, Wayne James (Sharon), Admarie Malone (David - deceased), and Lancelot James, seven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and many nephews, nieces, great-nephews and great-nieces who were near and dear to her.

Ruby was able to make every person she met feel loved. She had a beautiful smile, warm and strong hug that was special to all that knew her. Even in her final moments, she was still smiling and giving strong handshakes to those who surrounded her with love during her final days. To Ruby, having family remain close, connected and cared for was very important, no matter the amount of sacrifice. Every Sunday evening, she cooked a delicious meal and gathered her entire family together for 'Sunday Dinner' around the dining room table in her home. Sunday Dinner was a tradition she and Caswell had when raising their children in Jamaica, that was continued while in the United States. Family and friends that were visiting were always warmly welcomed to 'Sunday Dinner' and a chair was found for them to join the table. There are many cherished and sweet memories from times spent around her dining room table, that will last a lifetime. 

 

Ruby also loved flowers and enjoyed baking. One of her favorite things to do during the holidays was to bake Christmas cakes for her family. She also enjoyed reading the Bible, her favorite scriptures were Psalms 91:1, Psalms 110: 1-7 and Isaiah 40:10. She also loved listening to Christian music, her favorite songs were: Standing on The Promises of Christ My King, For All the Lord Has Done for Me; I Will Never Cease to Praise Him; Rejoice and Be Glad The Redeemer Has Come and Jesus Has Loved Me, Wonderful Savior and many more. Her caring spirit and loving heart will be missed by all. Her children remember her as someone who taught them to respect others, have confidence, and trust in the Lord at all times. May her soul rest in eternal peace and may God bless all those whose lives she touched.

A viewing will be held on Friday, January 6th at 10 AM at Lee Funeral Home, 6633 Old Alexandria Ferry Rd., Clinton MD 20735, followed by a celebration of life service at 11 AM. Interment will occur immediately following the service at Resurrection Cemetery, 8000 Woodyard Road Clinton, MD 20735.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Ruby's memory to Antioch Baptist Church, Little Ox Road, Fairfax Station, VA 22039, https://antioch-church.org/.