Ruby Louise Jackson Fielder

Mrs. Ruby Jackson Fielder

A Celebration honoring the life and legacy of Mrs. Ruby Louise Jackson Fielder, retired educator, well-known citizen, beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend, will be held on Saturday, June 19, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at the St. John Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. Steven R. Conley serving as officiant.  The interment will follow in the St. John Cemetery. To send words of encouragement, flowers, plants, or light a candle, please go to www.lochesmortuaryinc.com.

Ruby - A Precious Stone

 "Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.  Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.  Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord."  Romans 12:9-11

Sunday, May 20, 1923, was the 140th day of the year 1923 in the Gregorian calendar. The children of Bastrop, Louisiana eagerly awaited the last day of school and the beginning of summer.  But, Gilbert and Ethel Clara Francis Jackson; eagerly awaited their own special gift. On Monday, May 21, 1923, this joy came in the form of a beautiful baby girl. They named her Ruby because her beauty was so rare, so special.  On June 11, 2021, in the comfort of her home and with loved ones near, Ruby hearkened to her Master's call and joined her loved ones who had gone on before.

When she was only twelve, she was baptized at the St. John Missionary Baptist Church and she remained a faithful member all of her life.

Education was always important to Ruby. At a very young age, she knew she wanted to be a teacher. Even though she graduated from Morehouse Parish Training, she was determined to further her education. She enrolled in Grambling College, received a degree in education, and was blessed to be hired in her hometown. She was a TEACHER! 

Ruby enjoyed sitting at the counter at Jake's Cafe. The swivel stools made it possible for her to see who came in and who went out without really turning to stare.  Well, while enjoying her favorite ice cream and Coke float, the door opened and this extremely handsome young man entered the cafe. She tried not to stare but everything seemed to move in slow motion. Their eyes met. His name was Edwin Fielder and he stopped by after a baseball game for a soda.  Little did he know but he was about to meet his future wife. He sauntered slowly up to the counter while keeping his eyes on her.  He introduced himself, she smiled, and he was smitten. They dated for a while, but both saw marriage on the horizon. In fact, they dated for three years, but Uncle Sam had pressing business for Elmer. He served his country during World War II, but his mind stayed on the precious jewel he left at home.   He returned home for a while and on  June 11, 1946, Ruby Louise Jackson became Mrs. Edwin Fielder.  They were blessed with five children: Edwin, Jr., Elmer Douglas, Ethel Carolyn, Evelyn, and Edna. Edna preceded her mother in death.

Ruby enjoyed sewing and cooking and loved word puzzles to keep her mind sharp.

Her greatest joy; however, was sharing church bulletins and programs with former church members who had moved away and/or were shut-in.  This was her way of staying in touch and keeping them as a part of St. John.  She lived to glorify God. She always took the time to check in on her friends and acquaintances with a phone call or a visit over coffee.  During these conversations, she would always find a way to provide encouragement, offer kind words, and provide a listening ear.  Of course, she would take every opportunity to discuss the Atlanta Braves baseball scores.  Young and old alike enjoyed visiting with her as she imparted words of encouragement or advice. Young or old, former students or new acquaintances, she made herself available for anyone in need.

She considered her role as a mother and nurturer a God-given responsibility.  Believing in training up her children in the way that they should go, she taught them to have respect for others, to be courteous in dealing with others, and to treat others according to the Golden Rule.  While each one of the children heard the statement “This is hurting me worse than it is you” while experiencing her parental hand, it was for their good as each one grew into responsible and productive citizens.  This nurturing spirit was also extended to her nieces and nephews who considered her a second mother and trusted confidante.

A loving grandmother, she would celebrate their birthdays and other special occasions with homemade cards.  She would make these special ‘epistles’ by cutting out words and letters from various printed materials such as newspapers or magazines--making use of various fonts, letter sizes, and colors.  She would include hidden treasures like money, their names, and special messages of love and encouragement.  These fun forms of communication also served as an educational vehicle for them as learning was a passion of hers.  Each one of them would look forward to receiving these special cards, also known as “ransom letters" from their grandmother.

As a part of her civic responsibility, she was committed to working at every election whether local, state, or federal.  People often recall how she would eloquently spell their names and treat them with the utmost respect.  Rising from Commissioner to Commissioner In Charge, she served the people of this community in this capacity for over 20 years. 

Her faith, her family, and her friends were the foundations of her life.  Romans 12:9-11 NIV states:

9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.  

She will be missed by all who loved and knew her.                                                                             

"The Precious Gem - Ruby"

 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness."

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ruby Louise Jackson Fielder, please visit our floral store.