Mother Ruby Jean Harris

September 10, 1922 - December 16, 2021

Ruby Jean Harris was born in Mendoza, Texas September 10, 1922, to the union of Mr. James "Jim" and Mrs. Ludie Harris. The Harris family was quite large, and Ruby Jean grew up with twenty-one brothers and sisters. As an adult when talking about her family she always had fond memories of her parents and loving stories of her brothers and sisters. At ninety-nine years old at the time of her passing, Ruby Jean was the last of her siblings, the last to leave this earthly world before her was the youngest Ruthie, passing in 2010. Being educated in the Austin, Texas public school system, Ruby Jean loved learning, however it was her love of sports that seemed to bring her the most joy both during her school aged years and after. Ruby Jean enjoyed swimming, tennis, baseball and most of all it was her love for playing basketball that excited her the most. She played basketball into her adult years, even after marriage and starting a family; but really, Ruby Jean never met a sport that she did not like. So, when she could no longer play sports she watched all she could on television and she especially like going to sporting events to watch her grands, greats and great-great-grandchildren to cheer them on. In Austin, Texas in 1947 Ruby Jean was united in the eyes of the Lord in marriage to George V. Harris. To this union three children were born, Marvin D., Georgia Ann (deceased) and Harold J. (deceased). George and Ruby Jean moved the family to Denver, Colorado in 1958 after George was transferred with his job. George and Ruby Jean were married forty-two years before George was called to his eternal rest in July 1989. Ruby Jean was also hard-working in the labor force, she worked for a number of years at The Hairdresser a Beauty Salon in Cherry Creek, then worked janitorial at Hughes Towers and after retiring from there, she became a nanny by profession. Again, adding to the number of children who were blessed to be raised by her. During the years she lived in Denver Ruby Jean raised her family taking care of her husband and children and later on her many grandchildren and even great-grandchildren. Ruby Jean was also instrumental in the lives of and was a mother figure to many nephews, nieces and others. Her home was always open to anyone that needed a place to lay their head, come in out the cold, needed advice or just to hear a good old story about life or even a hot meal to eat. As loving and giving as she was to everyone, there was one thing that she would make plain, her name...RUBY JEAN HARRIS. When writing, giving her name, making introductions, she would get you straight that her name was not Ruby, but that it was Mrs. Ruby Jean Harris, and she was proud of it. It only took her to have to correct you one time about her name and you would not forget it again. Ruby Jean was baptized and attended church at Center Union Missionary Baptist Church with her parents and siblings under the leadership of Pastor O. W. Henry in Austin, Texas. Soon after moving to Denver, Colorado she united with Union Baptist Church under the late Pastor John T. Walker, where she continued her membership until her passing under Pastor William Rouse. One thing that brought Ruby Jean her greatest joy was family and the time that she spent with all of them. She was very proud to tell people that it was "a whole lot of them, young and old." Over the years she traveled from Denver to Austin, Texas to visit with her siblings and their families. When her siblings had all passed on, Austin was still home, and she continued to visit nephews, nieces, extended family and friends. Just as special as they all were to her, she was held dear and close to heart by each of them. Ruby Jean had many visits and moments that she never forgot and could not wait to relive with the rest of us upon returning home. She always talked about how good she was treated and taken care of by her Austin family. On many occasions Ruby Jean also traveled to Atlanta and South Carolina on extended visits with her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, she made more friends and added to her memories which she loved to share. These were some of the happiest times of her life. Ruby Jean met no strangers, ever. She carried lifelong relationships with so many people and even if she met them once, they were her friend, and she was remembered by them all. Friends that she had for many years who were extra-special to her she nicknamed "My Cronies", that usually included, Ms. Leneice (deceased), Ms. Effie, Ms. Johnnie, Ms. Doris, Ms. Ethel and Mother Mason. They talked, attended each other's church services, played cards, talked, went to "The Hills", ate together, spent time together and talked some more. After losing her youngest child Harold and then middle child Georgia Ann so early in their lifetime, Ruby Jean and her oldest child Marvin developed an even closer bond. Marvin and his "Mother" spent countless hours talking, eating together, watching tv, doing for one another and even spending time napping through the day. There weren't too many times that they didn't see each other every day and when they didn't see each other, they were usually calling on the phone. If at any time you could not find the pair, just check the dog track, they were probably there together. The pair shared a love for sweets. "Mother" usually kept something in the house and when Marvin came by, he was bound to find it. On occasion there would be a surprise in the kitchen, one of her buttermilk cakes, glazed and topped with pecans. Independent would be a characteristic to describe Ruby Jean, however, as she was very blessed to welcome her nineties, she continued to slow down and began to need a little more assistance. We would like to thank those who gave this assistance out of love for Ruby Jean: Michelle Williams, Jacquin and Yasmine Harris and family, Clara Sterling, Annette L. Hall, Lynette Hall-Jones, Bennie Louise Goodman, Mary Fields, Andre Harris, James Hale and Joseph and Anna Hall. We also appreciate any services given by CNAs and hospice nurses who cared for our beloved Ruby Jean. Those who transitioned prior to Ruby Jean were, her husband George V. Harris, son Harold J. Harris, daughter Georgia Ann Yearling, her parents James and Ludie Harris, all 21 of her siblings and her nephew Glenn Crawford. Ruby Jean Harris transitioned to her eternal rest at the age of ninety-nine on Thursday, December 16, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia at 6:30 a.m. Left to cherish Ruby Jean's memory and to carry on her legacy are a host of family beginning with her loving son Marvin D. (Alice) Harris. Grandchildren: Michelle Williams and DeWayne Maloy both of Atlanta, GA; Annette L. Hall, Lynette (Carl M.) Jones, Marvin Dominick Harris and Sir Jason Harris all of Denver, CO; Marvin Jacquin (Yasmine) Harris of Aurora, CO; Cinnamon Wright, Andre Harris and Danyelle Hicks all of South Carolina; Asalynne S. Caldwell of Austin, TX; 5 Sisters-in-law: Pearl Harris of Houston, TX; Earline Carter, Gloria Richards, Ida Hunt and Eddie Hill all of Austin, TX; 1 brother-in-law, Herman (Loretta) Hill of Austin, TX; 1 nephew raised with her in Denver, Dana Crawford of Austin, TX; 31great-grandchildren, 18 great-great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Click this link to view additional details about Ruby's Services: https://my.gather.app/remember/ruby-harris