Ruby Smith

On April 8, 2021, God called his daughter Ruby Smith home and her response was “YES, YES, I’VE DONE MY DUTY. I GOT ON MY TRAVELING SHOES”. God welcomed her with open arms into a place where there is no disease, pain, or worry. She may be absent from the body, but she is now present with Lord.  She was 59 years old and was born on June 17, 1961, in New Orleans, La. to the late Andrew Smith and the late Bernice Williamson Smith. 

She leaves behind her beloved daughter Jasmine Smith, her companion Lorne Barthelemy, and grandson, Semaj Carrier, who lovingly called her “Ta Ta”. She was the sister of Paula (Anthony) Riley, her twin brother Russell (Gladys) Smith, Jeffery (Cassandra) Smith, Kent (Catina) Smith, Nita (Chris Sr.) Ragas, and the late Nailor Hudson Smith. She was the aunt of Andrell Riley, Angela Riley, Andria Riley, Annette Riley, Devon Turner, Darcy Smith, Russell (Dominique) Smith, Zana (Kendrick) Merrick, Kamen Phillips, Milleesia Smith, Helana Smith, Phenicia Smith, Catrina (Blake) Prout, Kentisha (Terrell) Smith, Christopher Ragas Jr., Caleb Ragas, and Natalie Ragas. She was the great-aunt of Dasani Thomas, DeVyne Thomas, Dallas Thomas, Asanta Mackey, McKenzie Smith, Russell Smith III, Kendrick Merrick Jr., Bailey Prout, Blake Prout III, Blythe Prout, Blaze Prout, Terrell Encalade Jr., and Tyren Encalade, and the late Kayaa Ragas. She was the Godmother of Sherlonya Turner, Saquetta Williamson-Dorsey, Natalie Ragas, and Phenicia Smith. She also leaves behind a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Ruby was baptized by the late Rev. George Mack Jr. in September 1968. She was an active member of Macedonia Baptist Church at the time of her death. She was a woman who had faith and trusted in the Lord through all circumstances. Her favorite bible verse was, “Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not to your own understanding” Proverbs 3:5-6. She believed that prayer could change things and through her many health battles she knew that God had the final say. 

Ruby graduated from Port Sulphur High School in 1981. She then went on to attend the University of Southwestern Louisiana (USL) where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. She pledged Delta Sigma Theta while attending USL in the spring of 1984. She crossed with 11 of her Sorors whose sorority line was called the Dirty Dozen. The line name she chose was Democracy. She loved her Delta sisters and cherished their sisterhood.

Ruby worked at the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff Department for over 20 years. She treasured working as a juvenile officer and developing relationships with them and their families. She recently became an employee of the Plaquemines Parish School Board as a substitute teacher. She especially looked forward to working with the special needs students. She was also a dedicated employee of Fremin’s Food Market at the time of her death. Fremin’s Food Market was not only a place of employment but it was also a place where she was able to impact the lives of others in the community with words of wisdom.

Ruby was outspoken, sociable, and a friend to everyone she met. She was well known in her community and everyone who knew her knew she cherished her family. She looked forward to every time the “6-pack” would get together. She embodied what it meant to love and care for her family. She adored her daughter and grandson and talked about them everywhere she went. 

Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the celebration of life services on Saturday, April 17, 2021, at Greater Macedonia Baptist Church located at 27796 Port Sulphur, La, 70083, at 11 a.m.  The limited visitation will begin at 9 a.m.  Pastor Mandrell Pansy officiating, and entombment will follow at Roxie James Cemetery in Port Sulphur, La.  Ruby’s family will also receive guest for a visitation service on Friday, April 16, 2021, at Robinson Family Funeral Home located at 9611 LA – 23, Belle Chasse, LA 70037, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.  

Due to COVID – 19, EVERYONE in attendance MUST wear a facemask or other proper facial covering and practice social distancing.

  
Funeral planning entrusted to ROBINSON FAMILY FUNERAL HOME 9611 LA – 23, BELLE CHASSE, LA 70037 (504) 208 – 2119  

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